A British company, OwnFone, has launched first Braille phone for blinds in UK and it costs 60 pounds which is roughly equal to Rs. 10,000. Which is currently only available in the UK, is constructed using 3D printing techniques and can be customized. 3D printing was used to keep the price of the phone lower so that it is more economical for visually impaired people to buy this phone.
Mobile Phone Company has said that they have made this phone with an ambition of providing an instant connection between blind users and their friends and family. There is some sense of irony in the phone as it comes in different colors despite the fact that their potential buyers might not have seen even a single color in their lifetime.
OwnFone says that raised text can be printed as well for those users who are visually impaired but still cannot read braille. The phone can be personalized with two or four Braille buttons which are pre-programmed to call friends, family, carers or the emergency services. A custom design can built on the company's website by those who are interested in buying the phone.
