Gizmodo: visually impaired

Hands-Free GPS Device for the Blind Could Make You a Superhero

Andi Wang — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 23:07:51 EDT

The Navigation aid for the Blind headset is a GPS device, which not only works through speech recognition, but also uses obstacle detection technology that alerts the blind of any sleeping bums or other obstructions he could trip over as he is being guided to his destination.

In 2003, we reported on a GPS navigation device that led the visually impaired to their impending doom due to an "inaccuracy" of the system.

Although this new GPS device is not as cuddly as a guide dog, it is made up of one earpiece and microphone, which would allow the blind a certain anonymity, kind of like Daredevil, in that he would no longer need a cane or furry pet, which would leave both of his hands free ... to fight crime, perhaps? [create the future contest via gizmag]

B&D Messenger Helps the Blind Read SMS

Elaine Chow — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 12:30:00 EDT

The B&D messenger, designed by Okada Noriaki, bills itself as a way for both blind and deaf people to communicate via text message. Though there are several Braille phone products already in the market, Noriaki device is much smaller in size and pretty inexpensive. On one side of the gadget is twelve points that rise and fall in braille lettering; on the other side is a small LCD screen and a regular numerical touch pad. Users must connect the B&D messenger to a computer for it to receive and translate texts.

Noriaki lowered the B&D's cost by building it's chassis out of cardboard (the entire thing can be put together yourself), and by running its braille lettering program off an open source platform. I'm not completely sure how this technology helps deaf people any more regular phones, but it's a cool concept for helping out the visually impaired. [B&D Messenger via Tuvie]

Sentio Tactile Digital Watch for Blind has Good Looks

Kit Eaton — Wed, 28 May 2008 10:30:00 EDT

Looking like the love child of the mechano-digital Di Grisogono and the F1 watches, this concept is intended to be a timepiece for the visually impaired. Elements of the 7-segment numerals pop out so you can tell the time with a touch (I'm guessing it shows hours, minutes sequentially.) But designer Matthew Wagerfield thought that just because it would be for those with poor vision, doesn't mean it can't look great. And Sentio is attractive enough that many a normally-sighted person would love one. [Sentio via Gizmowatch]

LevelStar's Icon Mobile Manager is a Screenless PDA

Charlie White — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 10:40:56 EDT

The Icon Mobile Manager by Levelstar is designed with a different clientele in mind: the visually impaired. Instead of a screen, the Icon features audio menus to help the user navigate, and acts as a hub for daily technology-related activities. This thing is just a great idea, designed specifically to give functionality to a user base that hasn't enjoyed a PDA this full-featured. Despite being a niche product, the Icon Mobile Manager doesn't skimp on power.

With Linux under the hood, it's fueled by a Lithium Ion battery, and the Icon boasts a sizable 30GB HDD with room for expansion via a Mini SD slot. The device is fully wireless, sporting both Bluetooth and 802.11b, which is nice for users on the go who want to keep up with their audio books, podcasts and music.

It's a little large at 5"x3", but it only weighs half a pound so it's still portable. The Icon Mobile Manager also has stereo speakers built in, though the package comes with a set of earbuds to take advantage of the unit's headphone jack.

To fully use of some of the Icon's more advanced features, such as Web browsing, we imagine users will want to buy the dock that comes with a Braille or QWERTY keyboard. Besides that, the device does everything you'd expect for a handheld. Be ready to pay a lot more, however. The Icon Mobile Manager costs $1,395 for the unit alone, and is available only inside the United States. – Kevin Hall

Product Page [LevelStar via popgadget]