The good thing with technology is that it turns gadgets onto devices that are friendly to those with visual/sight impairment. We really have to commend our friends over at Georgia Tech for developing BrailleTouch, a prototype app designed to aid our comrades who have lost their vision.
The app works pretty simple. Once it is installed on the smartphone, it immediately makes available a six (6) – key braille based keyboard. This six-key system was borrowed by the developers from the most common typewriter for Braille or the Perkins Braille. The idea behind is that those people who grew up to having the knowledge of using Braille on a typewriter won’t need to learn a new system for typing on their phones. In using the app, one needs to turn the phone face down and hold it in landscape mode. Right after, typing can already be started.
Those who have friends or family members that are visually impaired may be able to put the BrailleTouch app into good use. The app however won’t be coming to the iPhone because its OS doesn’t allow for the modification of the keyboard. Instead, Georgia Tech plans to release it as a free app for Android devices. Georgia Tech’s PR is also promoting it as something that may be used whenever engage in activities like walking, watching TV or even socializing without the need of taking our eyes off on what we are doing. See how it works in the video below.
You might also like
Tags: brailletouch app, brailletouch app demo, brailletouch app release date, georgia tech, iphone
