People suffering from visual impairments can now enjoy the latest technology not just through voice commands to Siri or the text-to-speech feature on most devices today, but through the popular smartwatches as well.
A South Korean tech company has developed the first smartwatch that supports Braille. Called Dot, the device can now allow blind people read SMS and even enjoy time with e-books.
According to co-founder and CEO Eric Ju Yoon Kim, 90 percent of people lose their vision after birth and they usually don't get the privilege to readily access information.
Kim stated in an interview with TechinAsia that Dot can serve as a "lifeline" to these people to let them access daily information through the Braille system.
Dot uses haptic technology to deliver real-time information to the user's fingertips.
The smartwatch will be connected to Bluetooth 4.0, which then allows texts to be converted into decipherable Braille characters.
Blind people can now use smartwatches to read books, get directions to a particular place, and even set the alarm, as reported in Digital Trends.
It also has vibration features that allow users to be aware of incoming notifications. The device is basically designed to let visually impaired people experience a wearable device.
Usage of smartwatches continues to increase, but Dot will be the first wearable device that caters to the blind population.
Dot is scheduled to be released in December of this year and according to reports, the company will start with 10,000. Furthermore, it aims to cater to underdeveloped markets.
Since it's the world's first Braille smartwatch, Dot currently faces no competition. Devices that cater to the blind population come in the form of keyboards that also support Braille system, but they can be costly.
Once the device becomes available in the U.S. market this December, it will only sell for less than $300, according to Kim.
