This is an interesting discussion.  I have mixed feelings about this potential product.  On the one hand, we already have small Braille displays which we use with phones and other mobile devices.  These devices are expensive but get the job done.
This new device might not be much unless it uses some new type of actuator which can be made more cheaply then current technology.  In any case a device like that though very limited, might put Braille in the hands of more people and I think this would be good.  This would strengthen a case for more development of other types of Braille displays.
Unfortunately, when the media cover technology like this they write articles with the assumption that the products will be available and will solve all of our problems.  This usually isn't true.  These startup commpanies need lots of money to manufactor devices and a lot of good ideas don't go anywhere due to lack of funding.  How many times haven't we heard about new Braille technology which didn't amount to anything.  In addition the discussion of haptics is interesting and the technology probably has potential, but again there aren't any products which are designed for the blind which are actually available.  Until there is something I can put through its paces and see how it works, I will remain skeptical.

Thanks,

Dan



Sent from my iPhone

> On Aug 3, 2015, at 10:45 PM, Penny Reeder <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> 
> A life line of only 4 characters will not actually enhance many lives. This technology would be laughable among print readers.
> 
> Sent from my iPhone
> 
>> On Aug 3, 2015, at 11:20 PM, Rachel <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
>> 
>> World’s first Braille smartwatch gives blind people a
>> lifeline to information | Inhabitat - Sustainable Design Inn
>> <http://inhabitat.com/worlds-first-braille-smartwatch-gives-blind-people-a-lifeline-to-information/> 
>> 
>> 
>> Rachel
>> 
>> 
>>  VICUG-L is the Visually Impaired Computer User Group List.
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> 
> 
>    VICUG-L is the Visually Impaired Computer User Group List.
> Archived on the World Wide Web at
>    http://listserv.icors.org/archives/vicug-l.html
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>    Subscribe: [log in to unmask]


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