New Wearable Technology for the Visually Impaired!

As new technology continues to advance at a rapid pace, for those with low vision the challenge is to find suitable devices that are customized for their particular needs.  We have seen the development of low vision devices ranging form reading and magnification software, hand held devices, desktop magnification and multiple other daily living aids.

The newest product for the visually impaired on the market is the "smart watch" called Freevox Touch from Freedom Scientific in The Netherlands.  This new and innovative device (because it is much more than just a talking watch) incorporates multiple functions into a wrist held product.

This means that in addition to a speaking watch function for both blind and sighted, the FreevoxTouch is a memo-recorder, a music player, a stopwatch / countdown timer, and can even be used for storage to carry documents.  All controlled through a touch screen and working on an Android operating system. Connect with headphones for easy listening to your favorite music. In the future the manufacturer will be developing additional applications - think of a daisy player or navigation system.

So as Apple and others move into the wearable technology space (estimated for year 1 for Apple in the $1 Billion range), keep an eye on the advancements in the low vision space as well.  For the visually impaired this is good news!