OwnFone launches world’s first Braille phone that you can actually buy

OwnFone launches world's first Braille phone that you can actually buy

London-based OwnFone has launched what it says is the world’s first Braille phone. Although other companies have designed such devices in the past, OwnFone claims its device is the first Braille phone to go on sale.

Currently only available in the UK, the device retails for £60 and according to its inventor Tom Sunderland, 3D printing the front and back of the device helped to keep the costs down.

“3D printing… provides a fast and cost-effective way to create personalized Braille buttons,” he said. “This is the first phone to have a 3D printed keypad and for people that can’t read Braille, we can print texture and raised text on the phone. Our 3D phone printing process is patent pending.”

Users can opt for two or four Braille buttons which are pre-programmed to call friends, family, caregivers or the emergency services. Those who wish to buy the phone can create a custom design on the company’s website

[Via: BBC]