By Azernews

By Rashid Shirinov

The Baku-based IT company BrailleX has developed the primary prototype of Braille Watch for blind or visually impaired, Company Head Sayyad Ibrahimov told Trend on June 13.

He said that two features – the ability to check the current time and to read SMS – are already realized in the prototype of the watch.

“At the moment, we are talking only about the primary prototype. Nevertheless, we have also developed the software for the device, which is fully functional at Android OS,” said Ibrahimov. “To develop a fully functional prototype, we will need to attract additional funding of $30,000.”

He said that the funds will be used for laboratory research, acquisition of appropriate equipment and parts, and other purposes.

“If we can attract the money soon, I believe that we will be able to present a fully functional prototype already by the end of the year,” Ibrahimov noted.

The final product will be equipped with such features as notification about the obstacles on the way, which will allow the blind to get rid of a cane. The device will also feature functions of measurement the pressure and heart rate.

“Another important function is the SOS GPS feature, which will allow the wearer to ask the relatives for help by sending them his/her location in case of emergency situation. In future, this feature will also allow to access the medical emergency,” noted Ibrahimov.

As for the price of the final product, he said it will be around $300. However, this is only an initial price.

“First of all we plan to produce Braille Watch for the domestic market and to expand sales through several online platforms,” said Ibrahimov.

He also noted that the device will be able to operate for 48 hours as a watch, and for over nine hours with the use of its other functions.

Besides, manufacture of Braille Pad tablet for visually impaired individuals is expected to be launched this autumn.

Braille Pad will allow visually impaired (blind) to get the information they need, access the internet, read e-books, join social networks and many more.