BlindShell is an innovative smartphone that seeks to solve a major social problem by assisting visually impaired people to utilize modern touchscreen smart phones. It addresses this problem by providing a simple, intuitive and low-cost phone with optimized application. The application replaces the phone’s default interface with an easy-to-use interface controlled by touch gestures, giving visually impaired people the ability to communicate and use an expanding set of tools. In doing so, BlindShell fundamentally improves daily life quality of visually impaired users, who must otherwise rely on outdated classic handsets or purchase expensive specialized hardware. Our aim is to offer low-cost solution both for developed world (Pro version) and developing countries (Easy version). BlindShell’s software application replaces the normal interface with one tailored for the visually impaired, with minimalistic design, large white-on-black text and a large number pad. Commands are given through four simple finger movements, and feedback is provided to the user via text-to-voice announcements and vibrations. Functionality available includes: call; SMS; contacts; alarm clock; notes; calendar; book reader; integration of the biggest online digital library Bookshare; colour recognition tool (via camera), banknote recognition tool (via camera); and magnifying glass (via camera). BlindShell is currently available in thirteen languages: English, Spanish, French, German, Arabic, Italian, Portuguese, Swedish, Finnish, Norwegian, Dutch, Polish and Czech. Regarding business model, a partnership model is used. Currently, we have acquired 14 partners from 9 countries. We are continuously extending our network focusing on cooperation with mobile operators where three partners are being negotiated. A US patent has been filled along with European trademark for BlindShell wording and logo. In order to expand the concept to developing world, we started cooperation with a big hardware producer focusing on production of low-cost branded model. We initiated negotiations with several partners from developing world: one mobile operator and several eye clinics in India.
