Finding your dream smartphone
Switching smartphones can be a daunting task for anyone, including people with blindness. Here are some tips to make the transition smoother:
- Research: Before switching to a new smartphone, research different models and their accessibility features. Make sure the new device has accessibility features that you need. Hable can help you in your search for a new phone.
- Test the new phone: Before you buy your new smartphone, take some time to familiarise yourself with its accessibility features. Hable has dedicated guides to testing new phones with Hable One. Test out the screen reader, voice commands, and other features to make sure they work for you.
- Get help if needed: If you are having difficulty with the new smartphone, don't be afraid to ask for help. You can ask Hable, or a professional for assistance.
You do not need to buy an Apple product if you are blind. While Apple products such as the iPhone and iPad have been praised for their accessibility features, other smartphones and devices also offer accessibility features that can be helpful for blind users.
For example, many Android devices have built-in screen readers, such as TalkBack, that provide spoken feedback to users. Additionally, many Android devices offer options to adjust font size, colour contrast, and other visual settings to make the device easier to use for people with visual impairments.
It is time for smartphone companies to start focussing more of their resources on making their products accessible. We believe that, ultimately, the decision to choose a specific device should be based on your personal preferences and needs, rather than solely on the fact that you are blind. Until then, at Hable, we want to make sure you can get the most out of what exists so far.
By following these tips, you can make the switch to a new smartphone as smooth as possible. It may take some time to adjust to the new device, but with patience and practice, it can become a useful tool for daily life.
