Recently in adaptive tech Category

Sprint now offers WebCapTel On the Go, a new, free mobile web-based service that allows hard of hearing customers to read word-for-word captions on Windows Mobile 6 Web browsers. The service is also compatible with the Safari 2.0 Web browser. This new service is expected to help an estimated 30 million Americans with hearing loss.

With Sprint WebCapTel On the Go, users can make calls using two phones -- reading captions on a wireless phone and listening and speaking on a second phone. Prior to making a call, the user would log onto www.sprintcaptel.com on one mobile device to read text captions of what the other party is saying. For more information on Sprint's wireless devices and select plans, go to the Sprint Relay Store at www.sprintrelaystore.com.

A group at the University of Washington has developed software that deaf and hard-of-hearing Americans to use sign language over a mobile phone. UW engineers had phones working together this spring, and recently received a National Science Foundation grant for a 20-person field project that will begin next year in Seattle.

This is the first time two-way real-time video communication has been demonstrated over cell phones in the United States. Since posting a video of the working prototype on YouTube, deaf people around the country have been writing on a daily basis.

For mobile communication, deaf people now communicate by cell phone using text messages. “But the point is you want to be able to communicate in your native language,” said principal investigator Eve Riskin, a UW professor of electrical engineering. “For deaf people that’s American Sign Language.”

Nokia announced the Nokia Wireless Loopset, designed specifically for improved mobile communications for people with hearing aids. With a T-coil equipped hearing aid or cochlear implant, the Loopset can help hearing aid users enjoy great audio quality and handsfree operation of their mobile devices and other compatible audio devices. The Loopset is expected to start shipping worldwide in the first quarter 2009.

Nokia has a range of products and related accessories to help improve accessibility for people with disabilities. A full listing of available solutions and support can be found at www.nokiaaccessibility.com.

A 20-year-old male chimpanzee named Albert was the first ape to join Facebook, the largest online social network. Soon after Albert joined, three other chimps named Mr. Jones, Sheena, and Britney followed.

Scientists from The University of Northern Oregon have spent the last two years training Albert and his comrades, who all belong to the Pan troglodytes species, to acquire language skills necessary for their online social life.

 

With the help of specially designed software that recognizes sign language (ASL), and a chimp proof adapted touch screen, these leading scientists recently announced that the four apes can communicate using more than 1000 symbols, adapted to the most popular features of the online social network. They can chat online with their best friends from around the world, write text messages and even upload their favorite profile pictures. Alberts gang has become very popular among Facebook's users.

Comment from Wireless and Mobile News:

We wondering who Albert approves to be his friends and if he contacts underage chimps.  Also when Albert will master Twitter.

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.