14 DAY TRIAL // Project RAY and Qualcomm have just announced the upcoming availability of an eye-free smartphone aimed at blind and visually impaired people.
The RAY device is an easy-to-use, multi-function smartphone, which is synchronized with Israel's Central Library for the Blind, Visually Impaired and Handicapped audio books content.
The users interface of the smartphone supports a wide range of services, including phone calls, text messaging with vocal read-out, object recognition, navigation, remote assistance, social network services, audio-book reading, and other entertainment offerings.
“The user touches any position on the screen and that position becomes the starting point for selecting an audio-book, messaging or other activity. Navigation is enabled by a few simple finger movements in different directions. The phone's built-in vibration capabilities and voice prompts provide user feedback and the UI learns to adapt its behavior based on users' preferences and usage patterns,” said Boaz Zilberman, chief executive officer of Project RAY.
According to Qualcomm, the smartphone is powered by a customized Android platform, though we’re not sure which version of Google’s operating system runs on the RAY.
Furthermore, the phone is equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor and packs all the functions and capabilities of the smartphone technology.
For the time being, a trial project is underway, testing the new RAY mobile device and the system it runs with 100 participants throughout Israel.
The phone is expected to become generally available on November 20, though it’s unclear if Qualcomm plans to sell this globally. Stay tuned for more updates on the matter.
“We believe the Project RAY device will enhance the ability of blind and visually impaired people to access resources and information independently. This project, which is part of our Wireless Reach initiative, demonstrates one of the many ways Qualcomm technology can improve people's lives and we are proud to support this important program,” said Don Rosenberg, executive vice president and general counsel for Qualcomm.