While previously phone options for the visually impaired had been pricey hardware based solutions, Georgie has now introduced an Android app that offers up a blind-friendly interface to open up the likes of maps, Twitter and email.
The app, designed by Roger and Margaret Wilson-Hinds, who are themselves visually impaired and blind, of Screenreader.net, is the first suite of smartphone apps specifically designed for the blind, visually impaired, disabled, elderly and simply technophobic folks.
The apps have a specially designed and developed user interface which was implemented and tested with these folks. It is totally touch-screen with virtual, big text buttons that speak when they are touched or moved over and are held for a specified time to select, thereby not requiring either the select followed by single or double tap which can be difficult for those who are not used to technology or with limited deftness.
Navigation through the app is steered by holding your finger to the screen, hearing the menu described and giving touch-based feedback to confirm your choice. It's being launched alongside retailer Sight and Sound Technology, which specializes in tech for the visually-impaired, and will offer Android phones pre-installed with the app. However, one of its most important features is that it can be loaded onto to any Android phone running version 2.2 or later.
Many aspects of the user interface are configurable, such as responsiveness, screen brightness, volume, colours, feedback type, units and the application can be restricted or de-restricted to allow access to the rest of the smartphone. The status of phone service, GPS, wifi and battery can be spoken and events such as plugged into/unplugged from charger, battery low, powering off, screen locked/unlocked and airplane mode on/off are spoken.
There is also a simple, five button mode for the most challenged users and the functionality can be purchased as a set of core apps, a travel pack, a lifestyle pack and a communications pack. The packs have their own sets of features such as News, Texts, Camera, OCR, Podcasts and more (most of them based on speech).
Prices start at around $465, including a smartphone, while the standalone app can also be bought for $230. This will sound pricey until you compare it to existing OCR-centric apps or hardware available in the market.
Georgie is available to download now on Google Play.
Check out the video below
