A new smart wearable device called Dot was recently released and aims to help visually impaired people. The device can offer blind people instant access to time, direction and can even help them read.
The Dot functions just like any other smartwatch in the market. It gives out time, directions and reminders. It can also be connected to other devices using Bluetooth 4.0. However, its biggest difference is its display which is made of dull pins that lower and rise up essentially simulating braille when its user places their finger on it.
According to Android Authority, users have the option to customize the refresh speed of the pins in order to properly fit its user's reading speed. The Dot's display can be used by visually impaired people as an alternative to expensive portable braille e-book readers.
The device can last up to 10 hours on a single charge and its developer claims that it has its own integrated braille learning system that can help users in learning the language. Additionally, Korean Advanced Institute of Science and Technology scientist Dr. Dong-Soo Kwon is also joining the company bringing with him 54 patents regarding haptic technology that can be used to further develop the device.
Dot CEO and co-found Eric Ju Yoon Kim told Tech in Asia, "90 percent of blind people become blind after birth, and there's nothing for them right now. They lose their access to information so suddenly."
Dot will only produce 10,000 units of the smartwatch and will be released in December. The device will be released for less than $300.