As the number of mobile phone users is increasing across the globe, the need to provide access to the devices for all users is especially important. To make it possible for blind and visually impaired users to make use of mobile devices, even if they can't see the screen, Telecom Italia (News - Alert) offers TIM Mobile Speak and TIM Mobile Magnifier.

 

These solutions increase image and graphic sizes on the screen for those with low vision or include speech technologies that read information on the phones screen for those who are blind.

 

Both the screen reader and screen magnifier solutions are powered by Loquendo and Code Factory.

 

Information that is on the screen makes use of Loquendo's (News - Alert) TTS technology to read aloud information via the devices speaker or headset – making the mobile phone easily accessible for these users.

 

Loquendo's TTS technology provides natural lifelike sounding voices that are able to read any type of dynamic data in any language. The software boasts pronunciation accuracy, natural timbre and intonation.

 

"Until a few years ago, the mere idea of an accessible mobile phone was a dream. Nowadays, not only do such products exist, they work well," said Tommaso Daniele, National Chairman of the Italian Union of the Blind and Visually Impaired. "Breaking through the inaccessibility barrier for mobile phones is a major step forward in the independence of the blind and visually impaired, and a step forward for equal opportunities too."

 

Other options to further improve usability and accessibility for these users is the ability to use Braille, if the mobile phone is connected to a Braille device. This will make it easier for users to manage contact and call lists, place calls, review numbers, create and read text messages, schedule appointments and other tasks that have made the mobile phone an increasingly important device in the lives of users.