Since being visually impaired means something different for each person, it's great that there are multiple smart phone options for the blind community. In particular, one option that Android users have that iOS users don't, is multiple handset options. For instance, Android users can still get phones that have tactile buttons. This particular option will soon be available on a new addition to the Galaxy line from Samsung. The new Galaxy Core Advanced has built in options that are designed to appeal to the visually impaired. The phone comes with Android 4.2, a 5 megapixel camera, and apps that will assist the visually impaired user. The apps include: optical scan for text recognition, a light sensor app to detect light direction and brightness, and technology built into the camera app that will announce number of faces and their location. This new phone is expected to come out early next year. Pricing has not been announced.
Source: Go to sourceCategory: Cell Phones
Android 4.2 == no sell for me. This already shows that they're willing to sell a handset with an outdated operating system--two versions dated, no less. 4.3 and 4.4 both have had minor, yet significant, accessibility bugfixes and some of these are in parts of the operating system core. If there's a GP edition of this handset perhaps it would be worth looking at, but so long as Samsung insists on remaining multiple versions dated I don't think they're worth considering at all and not just for accessibility. They have a terrible track record when it comes to security; remember the ability to wipe a Galaxy phone with one sms or web link and how long it took them to finally push out a patch to that?
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For the past three years Alena has been a feature writer for the online magazine Matilda Ziegler. She has also been a contractor for the Oregon Commission for the Blind, helping blind adults learn to use adaptive technology. She is studying to be a teacher of the visually impaired at Portland State. You might also recognize her from the Serotalk podcast Triple Click Home.
