Georgia Tech iPhone App Could Help Blind Users Text

MojoKid writes "Researchers at Georgia Tech university have built a prototype app for touch-screen mobile devices that is vying to be a complete solution for texting without the need to look at a mobile gadget's screen. In theory, it should greatly help the blind interact with mobile phones, but it could help just about anyone looking for a more efficient way to interact. Research has shown that gesture-based texting is a viable solution for eyes-free written communication in the future, making obsolete the need for users to look at their devices while inputting text. The free open-source app, called BrailleTouch, incorporates the Braille writing system used by the visually impaired. Early studies with visually impaired participants proficient in Braille typing have demonstrated that users can input up to 32 words per minute with 92 percent accuracy with the prototype app for the iPhone."

Comments

Maybe

[Anonymous Coward]

I have an iPhone because it was free (used) and the (cheapest possible) data plan is manageable for what it gets me. I hate, despise, and detest the onscreen keyboard (I know people who have returned iPhones for that reason alone, as would have I if I paid what this thing cost new.)

I'd be open to something like this except I don't text/email enough to be worth the learning curve. Maybe that would change if it wasn't such a pain to do.

I've enjoyed having a smartphone, but I definitely wouldn't get another iPhone; I might try an Android or WinPhone, or just go back to my $25 Samsung when this one dies.