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Jan 13 2022

New Technology for Visually Impaired Students 1/11/22

The Dot is a braille smartwatch for people who have visual impairments. It allows them to learn the time and date in braille. By connecting the watch to a smartphone over Bluetooth, they can also read notifications, messages, memos, and other types of content in braille.
Its display comprises 24 dots, which automatically move up and down to provide four braille letters. Other features include alarms, timers, a stopwatch, a braille dictionary, the capability to answer and reject phone calls, a 5-day battery life, find my phone functionality, and lots more. The aluminum smartwatch works with both Android and iOS devices, and is priced at $299.
WeWalk is a high-tech handle that is installed on the top of a white cane. Its built-in sensor identifies elevated obstructions that users may encounter as they walk outside, like street signs and tree branches, and vibrate to alert them.
Users can also connect their smart cane to a smartphone app to determine where they are, find their way to different locations, and receive public transport information. The device provides voice responses through a built-in speaker or a pair of Bluetooth headphones.
Should users ever misplace their cane or phone, they can also get voice alerts to help locate it. WeWalk continues to add new features and integrations by regularly updating its smartphone app. The smart cane currently costs $539.

Written by Kelly Charlebois · Categorized: AT for STEM

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