AT&T Inc. announced two new applications that will increase usability for wireless customers who are blind or have low vision. AT&T is partnering with Code Factory to offer Mobile Speak and Mobile Magnifier, both for Windows Mobile and Symbian Series 60operating system devices.
Mobile Speak is a powerful, full-fledged screen reader with an easy-to-learn command structure, intuitive speech feedback in several languages and Braille support, which can be used with or without
speech. Unlike other screen readers for mobile phones, Mobile Speak automatically detects information that the blind user should know, just as a user with sight would easily find highlighted items or key areas
of the screen at a glance. Supported applications and functions include:
- Speed dial, call lists and contacts
- Text messaging
Calendar, tasks, notes and calculator
-
Internet browser
Word, Excel and PowerPoint
- Voice Recorder, Media Player, voice speed dial and voice command
- Phone/device settings, profiles, alarms and ringtones
Mobile Magnifier is a flexible, full-screen magnification application that supports low- and high-resolution screens and can be used with or without speech feedback. Magnification software is compatible with a wide range of mobile devices
Mobile Speak and Mobile Magnifier are each available for a one-time charge of $89, which is billed directly to the customer’s credit card. For additional information or to obtain a 30-day software trial, contact the National Center for Customers with Disabilities (NCCD) at 1-866-241-6568 or place a TTY call to 1-866-241-6567. The NCCD is available from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday and on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET.
“At AT&T, using technology to increase mobile accessibility for all individuals is a priority,” said Carlton Hill, vice president of Product Management for AT&T’s wireless unit. “We work closely with organizations that are committed to serving seniors or people with disabilities to help us better understand the unique needs of our customers. AT&T is excited to offer more mobile options that make it easier for all individuals to enjoy a digital lifestyle when they’re on the go.”
“Code Factory strives to create programs that make it possible for visually impaired consumers to access the most advanced mobile technology,” said Eduard Sanchez, CEO of Code Factory. “We are very
pleased to partner with AT&T to continue to help people with lowvision live independent, active lives.”
Mobile Speak is offered with a choice of three Text-To-Speech engines, Fonix, Acapela or Loquendo, allowing the phone to speak English, Spanish or both.
Mobile Magnifier features include:
— Magnification levels from 1.25x to 16x
— Font-smoothing for easier readability
— Three different layouts: a full-screen, split and distributed view
— Different color schemes, including inverted color
— Automatic panning and cursor-tracking
— Automatic zoom function that detects areas of interest on the screen
“There is a real need for more wireless options for Individuals who have vision loss,” said Paul Schroeder, vice president of Programs and Policy, American Foundation for the Blind. “We value AT&T for its
leadership in addressing the needs of this community.”
These new products are currently supported on five AT&T phones: the Nokia N75, Nokia E62, Cingular 3125, Samsung BlackJack (Windows Mobile version 5), and Pantech Duo (Windows Mobile version 6).
Additional compatible devices will be available soon.
Mobile Speak and Mobile Magnifier are each available for a one-time charge of $89, which is billed directly to the customer’s credit card. For additional information or to obtain a 30-day software trial, contact the National Center for Customers with Disabilities (NCCD) at 1-866-241-6568 or place a TTY call to 1-866-241-6567. The NCCD is available from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday and on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET.
For more information about wireless product or service offerings for those with disabilities, visit
http://www.wireless.att.com/about/disability-resources.jsp.
About Code Factory
Code Factory is a software company committed to the development of
products designed to remove barriers to the accessibility of mobile
technology for the blind and visually impaired. Noted for innovation
and responsiveness, Code Factory is the leading provider of screen
readers, screen magnifiers, and Braille interfaces for the widest range
of mainstream mobile devices including Symbian-based and Windows
Mobile-powered Smartphones as well as Pocket PC phones and PDAs.
Further, Code Factory is the only accessible software provider to
support close to two hundred different phone models working on the GSM,
CDMA and WCDMA networks. To learn more about Code Factory and its
mission of bringing complete accessibility to mobile devices, visit
http://www.codefactory.es.