Touchscreens and digital graphics are everywhere, but for people who are visually impaired, they can be a major hurdle to using modern technology. But this is set to change, thanks to tactile technology that automatically converts complex digital graphics into braille and stick-on smartphone buttons that make apps navigable by touch.
Gadgets
New Wearable Lets You Feel Live Music Through Your Skin
Back in September, 200 music fans gathered at the Bunkhouse Saloon in downtown Las Vegas for a private live concert with a unique twist: several of the fans were deaf. The concert served as a beta test for new wearable technology that allows deaf and hearing users alike to experience musical vibrations through their skin for a true “surround body” experience.
New Conductor’s Baton Sends Wireless Signals Enabling Visually Impaired Musicians to Play as Part of Traditional Orchestras
Shure has shown its support for The Baton Project, an initiative to develop a new conductor’s baton that sends wireless signals to wearable vibration devices, enabling visually impaired musicians to play as part of traditional orchestras.
How to Make a Speaker Call Handsfree with Your iPhone
If you want to make a call on your iPhone and your phone’s just out of reach, don’t forget that you can get Siri to start a speakerphone call for you, handsfree.
How To Make Skype Calls on Amazon Alexa Devices
Continuing its partnership with Amazon, Microsoft has rolled out its Skype calling service to Alexa-enabled devices this week. This will not only allow Amazon’s Echo range to make basic Skype calls but will also enable devices like the Echo Show to include video calling support for the Skype service.
Eye Patch Covered in Tiny Needles Could Help Fight Blindness
Eye diseases and injuries impose a significant clinical problem worldwide. Safe and effective ocular drug delivery is, however, challenging due to the presence of ocular barriers.
LG Provides 15,000 TVs for People Who Are Blind and Deaf for Free
LG Electronics announced that they will supply 15,000 TVs for people with hearing or visual impairments by the end of 2018. The company won an order from the Korea Communications Commission (KCC) and the Community Media Foundation.
ORCAM ADDS Voice Commands, New Languages and Bluetooth Connectivity in Update
OrCam has introduced voice command technology to its MyEye 2 and MyReader 2 devices in its latest software update that includes Bluetooth connectivity and additional languages.
Switzerland Adopts New Rules on Electric Vehicles to Protect Blind and Partially Sighted pedestrians
Electric cars on Switzerland’s roads will be required by mid-2019 to make an artificial noise as a safety measure for the blind, reports the Sunday newspaper NZZ am Sonntag.
MIT Researchers Develop Wearable Device for Blind and Visually Impaired People to Read Text
The wearable is a ring-like device that reads printed text out loud thanks to a mounted camera and open source software. Simply strap its to your index finger, point to an object and any words or sentences detected are spoken in real time.
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