DOT, the first braille smartwatch, designed and intended for the visually impaired. Eric Kim, the CEO of DOT Incorporated was established in 2016. For 20 years, there was little to no innovation for the blind and visually impaired. The objects that do exist are bulky and too pricey. Since there are about 285 million visually impaired people globally, it is essential to provide resources to those in need, and this watch does just that.
Although it may just look like a braille watch to some, this watch is more than that. With 24 touch sensors controlled magnetically, Bluetooth capabilities, patent technology, and receivable messages and texts from any app or service. The watch includes three buttons on the side, quick reply, accept calls, and remote control. It consists of a timer, stopwatch, alarm, accelerometer, a gyroscope, and 7-day battery power with full watch functionality. Accessible to social networking, transportation and navigation, news, weather, smart home control, and image-to-text translation. For just $290, this watch is made from lightweight and durable aluminum. DOT stands by communication, navigation, education, and customization. Since DOT is an open system, anyone can customize or write programs for it as many applications already exist.
Like the watch, DOT Mini is another device this company created to provide more content to those with visual impairments. Magazines, textbooks, articles, and other text types are difficult to reach when visual impairment is a factor. While only 3% of all text content is available in braille, DOT mini is the first smart media device created to access any online media. The DOT translation engine uses AI services to translate context into braille. The device allows for both listening and reading for better understanding at just $490, which seems pricy but is a third of the usual devices’ price. The mini’s operations allow for the ability to read any digital text, access online libraries, browse websites, complete calculations, sing and listen to songs, and experience movies.
These devices have made their way into many peoples’ lives, and as a result of DOT’s beginning sales in December of 2016, there have been 200,000 plus units sold. Unfortunately, due to these devices being created and manufactured in South Korea and it being a few years since the launch, there was not much information regarding its current standings. These devices satisfy those with visual impairments and look to be a significant step in the right direction for helping with the lack of appliances and innovation this community has to face. However, these devices exclude some people due to the price and lack of attention from the public.
Link to DOT’s website: http://www.thisisforthejury.com/dot/en/#:~:text=Result,units%20have%20already%20been%20sold.
Sources:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ax-NG-YVGw
