Quite often our technology keeps us chained to a chair or living room sofa with the need to devour more content from the internet. But, whether you are visually impaired or not, physical activity is very important to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. If you thought that technology couldn’t help motivate the blind to be more physically active, think again.
Blindpad Project Provides a New Navigational Aid for the Blind
Researchers at the EPFL in Switzerland have developed a new device to aid the visually impaired with mobility and the understanding of visual concepts such as maps and geometric shapes. The Blindpad as it is known, uses a system of tiny coils and magnets to raise pins on the device and help a visually impaired person create a mental map of where they are going. The device is 12 cm by 15 cm and is meant to be used as a navigational aid along with a white cane.
New Method In Printing Braille Is Now In Prototype
A UK based engineering company has created a new and innovative way of providing printed Brailled for the blind. KW Special Projects, along with engineers from Hungary, have developed a prototype of a Braille printer called “B.My.Jet.”
VIP: I Got a Feeling Somebody’s Watching Me
This week the Cool Blind Tech team discuss some major issues affecting your privacy while you are logged on to the internet. Joel, Jessica, and Hugo share their thoughts on Virtual Private Networks, how it affects you and why you should care. Plenty of important and fun topics are just waiting for you to press play on your favorite podcast player.
ASU Professor Helps Develop a Medical Device to Help the Blind See
ASU Associate Professor Bradley Greger helped develop a medical implant to help the blind see. The implant, developed in partnership with California based company second sight, is implanted in a person’s visual cortex. The idea is to provide visual information directly into the brain and help individuals who don’t have a functional retina receive visual information.
Cortana Can Now Help You Set Up Windows
The new Windows Creator’s update will now use Cortana to help you set up windows right out-of-the-box. Whether you do a clean install of windows or purchase a new computer with the Creator’s Update, Cortana will now walk you through the set up process. You can still set up windows by using a keyboard and mouse. But, if you prefer to sit back, relax, and respond to Cortana’s questions you can set up most of The Creator’s Update without touching a peripheral device.
Access to Life Changing Technology for Blind Americans Increased in New House Bill
A new bill has been introduced into the House of Representatives which will help Visually Impaired Americans with the cost of accessible technology. H.R. 1734 is called the Access Technology Affordability
Act of 2017 and you can follow the bill’s status here.
VIP: Explosive Accessible Technology
This week the Cool Blind Tech Team discusses some of the important questions surrounding the headlines in the tech world. Join Joel, Jessica, and Nelson as they share their opinions on whether or not a companies reputation should influence their decision on what accessible technology to buy. These answers and more are just waiting for you to press play and listen.
The Cool Blind Tech Microphone Shootout!
Ever wonder what type of microphone the Cool Blind Tech team is using on their podcasts? Better yet, thinking of starting your very own podcast and want to know which microphone to buy?
The Brains of Blind People Really Are Wired to Enhance Other Senses
I lost my sight at the age of twelve and ever since then I think I’ve heard just about every stereotype there is for people who are visually impaired. My childhood friends waited for the day I could hear like Daredevil and warned them when our parents were coming back home. Family members pitched in and bought me a keyboard and insisted that I become the next musical sensation. Although I can still play a decent rendition of “Chopsticks” I am no closer to becoming a rock star.
You must be logged in to post a comment.