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Accessible Cell Phones for the Blind and Low Vision
The purpose of this page is to provide a brief overview of the various solutions available for blind and low vision cell phone users. In general this site will stick to providing a general rather than detailed overview without much opinion offered, leaving it up to the person who is interested to pursue further research on their own. When opinions are given, they are just that, opinions. I define a cell phone in the most broadest terms, something that can provide voice communications in a small portable package. I exclude laptops from this discussion. I also present multiple accessible cell phone solutions for the blind or low vision user rather than get hung up on what "accessible" means as there is no single product that can meet every blind and low vision user's requirements and budget.
Table of Contents
Screen Reader software for cell phones
Magnification software for cell phones
Article: Accessible Cell Phones for the Blind and Visually Impaired March 2005
Article: Accessible Cell Phones for the Blind and Visually Impaired updated August 2008
Screen Readers for blind and low vision cell phone users
There are currently 3 manufacturers of screen reading software for cell phones: Code Factory, Nuance, and Dolphin. Essentially these work like a computer screen reader such as JAWS but of course these are intended to be installed and used on a cell phone. You need to make sure your phone has a compatible operating system and that the software works with your phone. The manufacturers have this type of information available on their websites. These give what is basically full access to all the features and functions of the phone. Software support is included in the price of the software, there are no additional fees required but you should look at the manufacturer site for specific details. Each manufacturer has their own policy regarding replacing a license in case the phone is lost, stolen, or breaks. The software usually comes with a 30-day trial period so you should definitely try before you buy.
Code Factory
Mobile Speaks: There are 3 versions based on the operating system your phone has (Symbian, Windows Mobile Smartphone, Windows Mobile Pocket PC). Code Factory’s Mobile Speak line of screen readers consists of software applications installed on a mobile phone or personal digital assistant (PDA), which allow you to use the device even if you cannot read the visual screen. AT&T recently became a distributor for Code Factory software and offer their products at a steep discount. Compatible with specific Braille and QWERTY keyboards.
Nuance
TALKS: Runs only on Symbian™ operating system phones. Nuance TALKS converts the displayed text on the mobile handset into highly intelligible speech. With Nuance TALKS, blind and low-vision users can take advantage of most features, including contact directories, caller ID, text messages, help files, access to the Nokia web browser, and other screen content, available on their mobile phones. One advantage is that TALKS uses Eloquence speech synthesizer, the same voice found on the popular JAWS desktop screen reader, so there is a level of familiarity.
Dolphin
Smart Hal: For use with the Windows Mobile Smartphone operating system. Smart Hal enables your mobile phone to speak to you. Smart Hal enables your mobile phone to speak to you, so when it rings, Smart Hal will tell you who is calling. If the battery or signal strength is low, Smart Hal will let you know. And it will give you voicemail alerts, tell you about missed calls and speak out numbers as you dial. Smart Hal also opens up the wonderful world of text messaging.
Pocket Hal: Fully configurable screen reading software for a PDA device, enabling you to work on the move. Compatible with specific Braille and QWERTY keyboards.
Magnification Software for blind and low vision cell phone users
There are currently 2 manufacturers of magnification software for cell phones: Code Factory and Nuance. You need to make sure your phone has a compatible operating system and that the software works with your phone.
Code Factory
Mobile Magnifier: There are 3 versions based on the operating system your phone has (Symbian, Windows Mobile Smartphone, Windows Mobile Pocket PC). Some versions can be integrated with Code Factory's screen reader software if desired or can be used as standalone software. Code Factory’s line of flexible and full-screen Mobile Magnifiers consists of software applications installed on a mobile phone or personal digital assistant (PDA), which enlarge screen contents for you to see them better, employ different techniques to display high-definition text for you to read more easily, and include navigation functions for you to effortlessly zoom in on any area of interest on the screen.
Nuance
Zooms: Runs only on Symbian™ operating system phones. Nuance ZOOMS magnifies the content of mobile handset displays so that low-vision users can navigate through the screen and make use of all the functionality their mobile phones have to offer. Can be integrated with Nuance TALKS screen reader software if desired or used in standalone mode.
Voice Controlled cell phones
Phones that come with built-in voice recognition software. The user presses a dedicated button on the phone and then uses their voice to make calls. These phones sometimes have a limited built-in screen reader so that some pages or items are read to the user. They do not currently offer anything close to full accessibility but the price is right for some users.
Verizon
LG phones from Verizon Wireless have Voice Command.
Voice Command list:
- Call (Name or Number)
- Send Message
- Go to menu
- Check Item - Contains Phone Status, Voice Mail, Messages, Missed Calls, Time, Signal Strength, and Battery
- Look up Name
- My Account - Links to VZW My Account
- Help
The LG VX5400 and LG VX8350 offers the latest in mobile technology with Voice Command and Menu Readout. These phones have features that make them more accessible to customers who are blind or visually impaired.
Sprint
The LG MUZIQ, Motorola ic 502, ic 602 and ic 902 offers Sprint PCS users a certain level of T-T-S functionality, with handset status information and menu options available by voice. No download is required.
The Nextel i880, and i580 offer a certain level of text-to-speech functionality, making handset status information and menu options available by voice. The i355 requires a software download to enable text-to-speech functionality.
Specialty Cell Phones
Owasys
22C: A screenless phone comes from Spain that is designed specifically for the blind. The Owasys 22C is currently only available for GSM networks like AT&T or T-Mobile in the U.S. An older product.
K-NFB Reading Technology
knfbReader Mobile: The Nokia N82 with software which places the functionality of a reading machine into a multifunction cell phone. The Mobile Reader products can be activated and ready to use with the touch of a single button on the phone. The user takes a photo of the print to be read and the character recognition software in conjunction with high quality text-to-speech will read the contents of the document aloud. At the same time, it can display the print on the phone’s built-in screen and highlight each word as it is spoken. Can be used with either Nuance or Code Factory screen reader.
Jitterbug
Special designed Samsung built specifically for elderly users with larger buttons, larger screen font, and louder speaker. Sold only through Great Call.
"Jitterbug Cell Phones. Easy large buttons. Loud sound.
Live 24-hour operator assistance. Get one today. "
Verizon Wireless Coupe:
For customers who need a larger font, Verizon Wireless offers the Coupe, which has an easy to use menu with large font and has large font when dialing. The Coupe also has voice commands and dedicated colored keys for ease of use and navigation.
Magnific
Cell Phone Monocle: A cell phone magnifying lens that you mount on the phone.
Additional Software
Code Factory Mobile Color Recognizer and Light Detector
Mobile Color recognizer and light detector (MCR) is a unique software developed to work with Mobile Speak for Symbian Phones. MCR can be used to determine the color (or different colors) of an object by taking a picture of it.
Code Factory Mobile Geo
Mobile Geo is Code Factory’s upcoming GPS navigation software for Windows Mobile-based Smartphones, Pocket PC phones and personal digital assistants (PDAs). Powered by GPS and mapping technology from the Sendero Group , a leading provider of GPS products for the blind, Mobile Geo is the first solution specifically designed to serve as a navigation aid for people with a visual impairment which works with a wide range of mainstream mobile devices.
Code Factory Mobile Daisy Player
Mobile DAISY Player is an electronic book reader for Symbian-based and Windows Mobile-powered mobile phones. It allows both sighted and vision-impaired mobile users to take books in Digital Accessible Information System (DAISY) format with them wherever they go.
Code Factory Games Pack
Available for Windows Mobile and Symbian operating systems. The games pack contains games that can be played with speech feedback
Wayfinder Access
When using Wayfinder Access navigation software, a wireless GPS receiver and a Symbian enabled mobile phone we can bring you full freedom without the expense of a bulky package. Integrated with Nuance and Code Factory screen reader software.
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