# Vision-Enabling Bumpy Devices Braille-Equipped Electronic Readers Let the Blind Use Smartphones By Sarah Moore | Published 2012-03-15 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/braille-equipped-electronic-readers References: [healthzone](http://www.healthzone.ca/health/newsfeatures/article/1145894--high-tech-braille-devices-are-touching-the-lives-of-blind-canadians) & [healthzone](http://www.healthzone.ca) While it may have been a rough road, advances in technology are allowing the visually-impaired to make better use of their smartphones and computers using new Braille-equipped electronic readers. The abundance of information attainable via tablets and smartphones was previously extremely difficult to access for those who cannot read print. With the invention and advancement of Braille-equipped electronic readers, a blind individual can use their hand-held gadgets independently. Anything typed directly on to any computer, smartphone or tablet is converted into Braille, which can then be read by touch on a separate portable device. This device is known as a refreshable Braille display and [uses Bluetooth to connect](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bluetooth-special-interest-group) to the individual's device. Technological advancements in Braille-equipped electronic readers are rapidly increasing and many have now become pocket-sized. [Apple](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/video-magnifier) is one of the many companies making excellent use of these tools as all of their products are compatible for Braille. Additional Photo Sources: [http://agreenliving.org](http://agreenliving.org/tag/braille-smart-phone/)|[http://walyou.com](http://walyou.com/braille-smartphone/)|[indiavision.com](http://indiavision.com) ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.3/10 - Popularity: 42% | Activity: 50% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Gen Alpha, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Gadgets](https://www.trendhunter.com/gadgets) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Advances in Braille-equipped Electronic Readers:** Technological advancements in Braille-equipped electronic readers are rapidly increasing and many have now become pocket-sized. - **Accessibility for Visually-impaired Individuals:** The invention and advancement of Braille-equipped electronic readers allow blind individuals to independently use smartphones and computers. - **Compatibility of Braille-equipped Electronic Readers:** Companies like Apple have made excellent use of Braille-equipped tools by ensuring their products are compatible for Braille. ### Who This Affects Most - **Technology:** The technology industry can capitalize on the disruptive innovation opportunities presented by advances in Braille-equipped electronic readers. - **Mobile Devices:** Mobile device manufacturers can tap into the market of visually-impaired individuals by developing Braille-compatible smartphones and tablets. - **Assistive Technology:** The assistive technology industry can leverage the advancements in Braille-equipped electronic readers to further enhance accessibility for individuals with visual impairments. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Tactile Accessible Mobile Technologies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/accessible-mobile-technology.md) - [Minimal Braille Learning Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smartio-edu.md) - [Braille-Equipped Memo Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/memo-device.md) - [Inclusive Label Printers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/braille-label-maker.md) - [On-Demand Braille Label Printers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nemonic-dot.md) - [Impairment-Accessible Tablets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dot-pad.md) - [Engaging Braille Education Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/braille-learning-device.md) - [Rugged Child-Friendly Braille Readers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vembi-hexis.md) - [Miniature Braille Keyboards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tdot-braille-keyboard.md)