Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

Programming Accessible Software on Java Phones?

Posted by Cliff on from the ibetter-than-a-cell-phone-in-a-bucket-full-of-water! dept.

LostSinner asks: "My mother, who is blind, called me recently and asked if I'd be up for a challenge. She is supremely fed up with trying to use her current cellphone (a StarTAC) and is looking for a new one. Recently, she has heard about the newer Java-enabled phones. She wants me to write a Java program which will allow her to navigate the menus, place calls, and generally use everything available to us sighted folks that she can't currently use. Though there are a few aftermarket pieces of software somewhat geared towards this, the price and the functionality (or lack thereof) are both sticking points... and what's the use of having a geek son if you don't get any benefits, right? I plan to release the code and either give the software away for free or charge a nominal fee for it. It's new ground for me, but I love a challenge. So, is a Java enabled phone the best way to go? Are there already phones out there with this functionality built in? If Java is the best way to go, what service provider and/or phones does Slashdot recommend? Thanks."

3 of 35 comments (clear)

  1. I doubt it. by duffbeer703 · · Score: 3, Informative

    I think that level of processing is not available to any developer... think of the havoc that would occue when some idiot used a ringtone installation to overwrite your phonebook with an overseas sex number.

    That being said, if there is a way to do it, you'd want to look for documentation here:

    http://java.sun.com/j2me/docs/

    and here:

    http://java.sun.com/api/index.html#j2me

    --
    Conformity is the jailer of freedom and enemy of growth. -JFK
  2. Phone/PDA for the blind... by TMLink · · Score: 5, Informative

    While I don't have an answer for your exact question, I do have an alternative that might be an option. The Alva MPO is a phone/pda for the blind. You can navigate through it by either audio (JAWS like application) or through it's braille display. Takes input through an 8-key braille keyboard. I believe it is a WinCE device, though I'm not sure what version it is running.

    Again, this is just a tad bit overkill if all she needs is a phone. However, if she's looking for something more than a phone, this might be an option.

    --
    Every time a guy gets a threesome, somewhere in heaven an angel gets his wings. --Cary Tennis
  3. Try a Treo600 instead by Karl+J.+Smith · · Score: 3, Informative

    I'd try a Treo600 instead, as you're much more likely to be able to get useful programming information from Palm/Handspring than from other phone manufacturers. You'll also be able to insert a memory card to hold your app and all the sound samples you'll want for the spoken menus.

    It's not out yet, but will be "soon", and you can start writing code today....

    http://www.handspring.com/developers/index.jhtml

    Or rather, try this general advice - try to get developer information for a bunch of handsets. See which one gives you the most. Make sure you can do what you want (e.g. dial, which I don't think you can from java phones due to the security model) and then go with that phone.