OwnFone launches world’s first Braille mobile phone handset

Phone for the blind created thanks to 3D-printing technology.

The world’s first Braille mobile phone is now on sale in the UK.

The handset has been developed by UK-based firm OwnFone, which launched in 2012 with the aim of creating simple mobile solutions for all.

OwnFone uses a blank mobile device that can be customised for users with different designs and pre-programmed contacts.

The concept has already been used to launch handsets suitable for the elderly and children as young as four, but now OwnFone has turned its attention to creating a device to help those with sight problems stay connected.

OwnFone Braille phone

Using 3D-printing technology a blank Ownfone handset can now be customised with Braille contact buttons. This technology can also be used to create raised text or textures for the partially sighted or those who can’t read Braille.

The handset itself is pretty basic. The device can’t send texts or roam the internet; it can only make and receive calls. But the streamlined design and functionality make it affordable and easy to use for all ages and abilities.

According to OwnFone founder Thomas Sunderland there have been many designs over the years for a Braille handset, but none have made it to the market. He says OwnFone's Braille handset is the first to go on sale and the patent is pending.

[SPOTLIGHT]At the moment the device is only available to people in the UK and can be made to order on the OwnFone website, but the company plans to make its product available internationally with the help of a campaign on Kickstarter.

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What’s the cost?

The OwnPhone Braille handset costs £60 for a device set up with two contacts or £67.50 for a device set up with four contacts.

These can be customised with plain colours (free), different patterns (£1 extra), or your own design (£5 extra). This may sound like an odd feature for those with sight loss, but Sunderland says: "Just because someone can’t see doesn’t mean they don’t want something that looks great."

You then get the choice of one of three pay monthly deals or to buy airtime upfront in a bundle.  

The pay monthly deals are on a 30-day rolling contract. Here's how the prices breakdown:

*Calls made over the allowance will be charged at 15p a minute.

Buying airtime upfront gets you savings. These special offers are available for six or 12 months. Here's what you pay:

*Calls made over the allowance will be charged at 15p a minute.

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Other support

OwnFone isn’t the first to attempt to address the needs of those with sight problems.

Screen readers available as apps on smartphones or purpose built phones like the Alto 2 Talking Phone assist people by reading out what is on the screen. However, this is not the most discreet way to keep in touch on the go.

There are also refreshable Bluetooth displays. These are electronic devices that can be connected to smartphones like the iPhone (3Gs or later) to produce a tactile output from what is displayed on screen.

Companies like Doro and Nokia also make visually-impaired friendly devices with tactile buttons, choice of text display size and screen magnification.

For more alternatives the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB), lists information for everyday living on its website including suggestions for mobile phones. Action for Blind People also has a similar section on its website.

What do you think?

Is the world’s first Braille phone a decent alternative to what’s already available to blind and partially sighted people?

Or is the design and cost of the streamlined handset a turn off?

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