London-based company OwnFone has released a mobile phone that features braille on its keys.
The phone is designed to help blind people and those with low vision communicate with friends and family, as well as contact emergency services, according to PSFK.
The device includes front and back panels built with 3D-printing technology. It can also be personalized with braille buttons pre-programmed to dial up specific contacts of the user's choice.
Tom Sunderland, the creator of the phone, said that while it is not the first phone to have the braille concept, it is the first to actually go on public sale, Fox News reported. The use of 3D printing keeps the costs of the device down. The phone starts at 60 pounds - about $100.
The braille mobile phone doesn't include a screen or a camera, and doesn't have a use for the processer. It can be ordered with between two and 12 primary buttons, but it can only support two or four buttons. As a result, the phone will be powered up for a year before a recharge is required.
The phone is currently only available in the U.K., and is OwnFone's most expensive option for current mobile devices, PSFK reported.
OwnFone released its first partially 3D-printed phone in 2012, which was followed by the 1stFone. The 1stFone is designed specifically for children and includes buttons that can be programmed to call important contacts.
The braille phone is based on the company's earlier products for children and seniors. It comes with a 3D printed keypad with braille lettering, as well as the option to add raised text for people who can't read braille, Fox News reported.
The phone can be ordered at OwnFone's website. Consumers can have the phone customized with different features, such as a picture of their choice on the rear panel. Users can also have a key added specifically for emergency contacts.
