New App For the Visually Challenged With Text-to-Speech Trigger and Voice Feedback

The National Association for the Blind (NAB) has conceptualized a smartphone application for the visually challenged and is all set to launch it. The app will help the visually impaired operate their cellphones through its text-to-speech feature.

Homiyar Mobedji, NAB Chief executive officer said, "Users can just tap on the cellphone and follow voice instructions in order to navigate." The app is developed in all Indian languages by city-based software firm Extentia Information Technology.

"The geriatric population among the visually impaired will be happy with the application, as it will keep them entertained. They can also access newspapers on their cellphones," he said.

The application consists of swipe gestures, a text-to-speech trigger and voice feedback to facilitate easy navigation. In addition, every number has been assigned a unique vibration to dial and make calls, Mobedji said.

A trial run was conducted with 25 visually impaired people and they said that the application was easy to use.

Several features have been planned as enhancements for future versions if the application gains popularity. "We are planning to make available an easily accessible documentation in local languages and also a self-learning audio tutorial for users," said Umeed Kothavala, Chief Executive Officer of Extentia Information Technology.

Source: Medindia