It is clear that with the help of smartwatches, they strive to make life more comfortable for the people who use them. The absence of the need to constantly take the mobile terminal out of your pocket is an example of what we are talking about. But there are people who can even use these accessories much more than many people think. We are talking about the blind who, with a perfectly adapted model, can receive information quickly and individually.
This is exactly what the development team was thinking to
launch Dot Watch, a smartwatch with extensive features that uses Braille to
notify information displayed on its screen. Thus, blind people using it can
quickly and accurately find out what is displayed on the screen.
I recently had the opportunity to acquaint myself with
Dot Watch, the world's first Braille smartwatch for the blind. Dot Watch,
manufactured by Dot Incorporation, a startup in South Korea, allows iPhone and
Android smartphone users to receive and view braille notifications on their
watches.
Dot Watch has a simple design. The watch face houses a
four-cell braille display, and below it, two touch sensors that allow users to
scroll through and read each notification. There are three joysticks on the
right side of the watch: the Select button, the Dot Crown dial, and the Home
button. These controls are used to control various functions of the watch. The
watch is charged using the USB charger supplied with the device.
Amazing.
The watch is connected to your smartphone. When someone
calls you, the watch vibrates and tells you who it is, without having to take
your phone out of your pocket. Each message received on the phone is also
displayed on the watch in Braille. You can read quickly and comfortably with
intuitive tactical controls that you can customize to your liking.
Notifications from apps installed on your mobile phone
are sent to your watch. You can sync them with your calendar or weather app so
you know if you have to carry an umbrella on your way to a meeting this
afternoon.
Dot Watch works by pairing with a smartphone via
Bluetooth. Users must first mount the Dot Watch app, available from the iTunes
and Google Play app stores. They then have to create an account by registering
their email address, name and password. Then the watch can be paired with a
smartphone. Once paired, users can start receiving notifications from their
phone, giving the time and date, and using other features.
Once the clock is set, it alerts users when they have
received a new notification on their phone, such as a text message. They can
then read it on a braille display. The watch also alerts people when they
receive a call and they can check the caller information and answer or reject
the call.
Very interesting ... but I don't know braille
Do not worry! The fact that watches are intended for
people with visual impairments does not exclude people who can see and who, in
principle, do not know Braille. The device has a touch option that works
without braille.
One of the most characteristic features is the ability to
learn Braille. And the fact is, the watch has an integrated training program
for those who want to delve into this communication tool.
Dot Watch's design has won international awards and has
even been exhibited in museums. The round and minimalist shape of the Milanese
bracelet will suit any look and look. The watch weighs only 60 grams and is
made of lightweight aluminum.
Great, but I don't know braille
From the app, people can adjust watch settings, check
battery status, set alarms, and use the Braille Learn feature, which allows
users to send a braille message to the watch. Apart from a minor issue with
connecting the watch to my phone (an issue that was quickly resolved by tech
support), the installation process and the app were completely accessible on my
iPhone and I was able to do so without visual assistance.