Will it Blendie?
Blendie is a prototype device that consists of a 50+ year old Osterizer ramped up with hardware and software. Growl in low tones and it blends slowly; raise your pitch and it speeds up. Fuhgeddabout the developer’s woo-woo assertion that “[t]he experience for the participant is to speak the language of the machine and thus to more deeply understand and connect with the machine.” Its real destiny is as the perfect margarita maker for people with both dexterity and speech disabilities.
Potty on, Wayne
The Potty Time Watch provides audio and visual cues to remind toddlers to take a bathroom break–or remind anyone of whatever they need to remember on a frequent basis–and then resets itself to go back off at 30, 60, or 90 minute intervals. Not bad for $10, although we wonder whether it can be adjusted for bigger wrists.
Over, under, sideways, down
This prototype gadget doesn’t really do anything; it’s been made to test an interface idea. It’s ready to perform different functions depending on how you hold it. For example, lengthwise it’s a phone, widthwise it’s a PDA, and edgewise it’s a TV remote. This might have some accessibility or usability potential for multi-purpose electrocritters, but what about users whose dexterity means they have to hold it only one way, or the wrong way for a given function?
Prototype Detects Intent from Your Touch (You Scoundrel) - Boing Boing Gadgets
I can’t believe it’s not GPS!
Heaven knows we’re big believers in GPS as an accommodation aid. But what if your cell phone isn’t GPS-enabled? Google pondered this audience and came up with My Location, which estimates where you are, within about 1000 meters, based on your proximity to broadcast towers. If it’s not confident about its own accuracy in a given situation, it provides a visual signal. Far from perfect, but could be helpful in a pinch.
Google: Google Maps with My Location (beta)
Ex-rated mouse
MouseEX Glider is a new mouse accessory that provides a gallimaufry of options. It starts with a large base where you can attach any standard mouse; instead of curving your hand to move the mouse, you lay your palm flat on the base and glide the unit across the table. Since your fingers are now free, it also has a keypad that allows you to emulate mouse button functions and add your own macros. But wait! It also has a basic magnification capability! Now how much would you pay? How about $30, which is pretty reasonable for a solution that could help a lot of folks with dexterity disabilities. The manufacturer, MouseEX, is promising this will be the first of a series of mouse add-ons; we look forward to the next releases.
Georgia Tech blows a new interface
Researchers have developed a way to control a computer by blowing at the screen. Your microphone-equipped machine can detect where you are blowing by analyzing the wind sounds, no matter where the single microphone is located. Amazing! And the paper they published even mentions the accessibility applications for such a software gizmo.
BLUI: Low-cost localized blowable user interfaces (PDF file)
Who’s got the button?
We’ve complained a lot about problems with virtual iPhone buttons, especially for people with visual disabilities. Guess what–mainstreamers using iPhones for text messaging make a lot more typing errors than users of older phone models. Looks like physical buttons won’t be joining the woolly mammoth any time soon…