Future of the smart phones: No longer restricted to see and touch

MUMBAI, INDIA: The text to speech feature in smart phones will soon get a whole new meaning.

The feature which is an integral part in most smart phones is being modified to enable the visually impaired. An application called Easy Access will help the visually impaired to use their touch screen smart phones.

Pune based software firm, Extentia Information Technology has developed the application which allows users to navigate various features on their smart phones via voice instructions, at just a click of a button. The best part is that the app is being developed in all Indian languages.

Homiyar Mobedji, CEO, NAB, informed that the application comprises swipe gestures, a text-to-speech trigger and voice feedback to facilitate easy navigation. In addition, every number has been assigned a unique vibration to dial and make calls.

The app can be downloaded from the Google Play Store. The features of the application have been conceptualized by NAB, he said.

NAB has already piloted the app with 25 visually impaired persons. "The feedback is positive. If the application gains popularity, we plan to add several features for future versions,” he said.

"We are planning to make available an easily accessible documentation in local languages and also a self-learning audio tutorial for users," said Umeed Kothavala, CEO, Extentia.