With features such as a heart rate monitor, step counter and a sleep tracker, smartwatches are becoming part of everyday life. Although, most of them aren’t suited to those who are visually impaired. Visually impaired people who own a smartphone rely on voice technology, but that’s for those who aren’t braille educated. What if instead of voice technology, smartphones were able to send notifications to a watch which visually impaired people could read in braille? This is where Dot comes in.
What is it?
A South Korean start-up has produced the Dot Smartwatch, claiming it to be the world’s first braille smartwatch. Dot is a modern mechanical smartwatch that uses braille to enable visually impaired users to read the time alongside access other information which already available on other smartwatches, such as Apple.
The Dot Smartwatch enables those who are visually impaired receive real time information from their phone. This includes notifications, text messages, Facebook messages and more, in braille.
How does it work?
How the Dot works is generally simplistic. Underneath the dial are four motorised modules, each with 6 possible dots. Each dot can be raised or lowered individually, so the Dot can display up to four braille characters at a time. The user can read the dial as they would a piece of paper with braille on it. The dial is hollow to offer a protective rim around the braille modules themselves, making it easier to wear the watch.
With every notification the smartwatch vibrates, the user can select and read the message in braille. This way, the visually impaired can be connected just like you and me. That’s the ultimate goal of the smartwatch.
Dot is an active braille device. It is connected to the smartphone via Bluetooth and can receive any text information from any app or service. For input, there’s a crown and two buttons. It comes with full watch functionality. It’s made from super-light aluminium and the battery lasts for 7 days.
The key component
The key component in ensuring the Dot works as intended is magnets. Magnets are located throughout the smartwatch, ensuring its functionality is both efficient and effective. The magnets within the touch sensor, allow users when pressing the touch sensor under the cells to scroll back and forth (left and right) through the braille while reading notifications.
There is also a magnet located on the magnetic charging cradle. This built-in magnet assists with the positioning of the device when attempting to charge, as below.
Goudsmit UK
With approximately 285 million visually impaired people worldwide, the introduction of the Dot into the market is set to make significant impact globally. As an established permanent magnet manufacturer, Goudsmit UK offer a wealth of experience across a diverse range of sectors. Goudsmit UK’s latest know-how, experienced staff and commitment to service excellence make us your ideal manufacturing partner. Since 1998, the team at Goudsmit UK has offered a full suite of services to take your ideas from the drawing board to the production floor and onto your customers. With fast response, consistent quality, cost-effectiveness and customer satisfaction, we fulfill all your needs.
Contact us today for more information at info@goudsmit.co.uk or on +44 (0) 2890 271 001.
For more information download our products and services brochure here.
