Nokia Beta Labs introduces Braille Reader app for text messages
September 24th, 2009 by Kunal
Nokia has added a gem under its corporate social responsibility umbrella with the introduction of the Nokia Braille Reader. This prototype application has been developed by the Nokia Beta Labs, and is designed to allow users who either partially-sighted or completely blind to use the SMS functionality on their cellphones. The Braille Reader has been developed by Nokia in collaboration with Tampere University and the Finnish Federation of the Visually Impaired.
The Braille Reader will use the vibration of the cellphone to communicate each character of the SMS one at a time, thereby converting the SMS into the Braille form. After repeated usage, the visually-challenged user should be able to recognise these characters easily.
The Braille Reader is designed to only read the message when the user has their finger on the touchscreen, giving the user control over when they want the application to stop reading. There will also be other large icons at the corner of the screen to enter or exit the application. A demonstration video of the prototype is available after the post.
There is new news from Nokia about how or if users will also be able to send messages using the Braille Reader application.
The Reader will be compatible with any S60 5th edition mobile, provided that the phone features a touchscreen. Compatible phones include the Nokia N97, 5800 XpressMusic, , N97 Mini, 5530, 5230, and the X6.
The app will be available from October 2009, and will be free to download.
via [TelecomTiger] & [Zikkir]
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Categories: Concept / Educative, mobile app, nokia | Tags: nokia, nokia beta labs, nokia braille reader, nokia collaboration, nokia labs
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