Intex launches mobile phone for visually impaired

Intex Technologies has launched a mobile phone for visually impaired people. The phone has a large Braille keypad.

Called Intex Vision, the device is a dual GSM SIM phone with a Talking Keypad, which speaks out the number in English as the user presses keys. This is helpful for people who do not understand Braille.

The only problem is that it only supports English. However, an Intex spokesperson said that "more language support including Hindi is on the cards".

The phone also has a unique SOS feature which allows it to save four emergency numbers. By pressing the SOS button, the call gets automatically directed to the first emergency number.

Shailendra Jha, deputy general manager, telecom, Intex Technologies, said, "Intex believes that simple and affordable technology can do wonders in enhancing the quality of life of differently-abled people. India has the largest number of blind people in the world and NAB (National Association for the Blind) is the best platform in the country to reach them. Intex Vision is just a small gesture to help empower the visually impaired population by bringing connectivity within easy reach."

"Blindness is a disability that could be overcome with training and guidance. The Intex Vision phone is an ideal tool for the visually impaired to satisfy their communication needs. It can play a very useful role in their integrated development," said Mohinder Kapoor, president, National Association for the Blind.

The other features of the phone include a wireless FM radio, audio player, expandable memory up to 2GB, torch light, auto call record, mobile tracker, dedicated one-touch key for locking the keypad, and phone and SMS memories that can hold 1,000 contacts and 250 messages, respectively.

For the safety of users, the FM antenna has been thoughtfully housed in the panel below the phone to avoid its accidental contact with the eyes. The backlight has a soothing orange tone which does not affect the eyes and hence caters to those with partially impaired vision.

With a price tag of Rs 2,600 the phone is not as expensive as other specialized devices like the iBall Senior, which costs Rs 3,500. However, both the phones look strikingly similar; though their features are different.