New App Introduces Texting for the Blind

  Image Source: Georgia Tech   BY GILLIAN STEDMAN ANCHOR DAVID EARL Techies have developed new software that they say will help you text without looking at your phone. It’s called “Braille-touch.” The aim is to help the visually impaired send text messages with ease. Researchers at Georgia Tech created the app for touch screen devices, based on the braille writing system. The App’s developer, Mario Romero, says typing on the app is so fast, even people who aren’t visually impaired could benefit. CNN quotes… “It may be a solution for everybody to get their eyes off their phone so they can walk and text or watch TV and make a comment on a blog... It may free the sighted people’s eyes.” But those who want to use it would have to learn braille. The app’s arrival comes just in time, tech blogger Andy Watts says... “There has been strong concern in the blind community about the growing number of touch screen devices, making them truly blind, taking over the more traditional button/ braille method. Could ‘Braille Touch’ start a revolutionary change for the visually impaired?” A blogger at Gigaom says buying an iPhone for this purpose is well worth it... “This solution is brilliant on several levels. … as a free, open source application, it’s far cheaper than a dedicated Braille machine, even when factoring in the cost of an iPhone.” But Gottabemobile warns... “Though you’ll be able to type without looking at the screen, the team stresses in the video that this is not a solution for texting and driving. Just because you don’t take your eyes off the road doesn’t mean you’ll be able to drive well while both hands are on your phone.” The app will be available free for both Apple and Android devices within the next few weeks.