[real-eyes] this just in First Internet Web Radio Launched For Blind Users

the u r l for this story is at the end of this story.
I have email them to see if there is any way that we can get one.
First Internet Web Radio Launched For Blind Users
Posted by rbwatson1 on November 24, 2009

 

A new internet radio set has been developed for blind and visually impaired 
listeners, allowing people to listen online to audio books, podcasts, talking 
newspapers and audio catalogues, as well as internet radio stations from around 
the world.

Manufactured by the charity British Wireless for the Blind Fund ( 
http://www.blind.org.uk ), the 'Sonata' radio - claimed to be the first of its 
kind - was launched earlier this month, and allows users to listen to any 
streamable, unlicensed internet audio feed. 
Designed to be as simple as possible to use, the Sonata is controlled entirely 
with five buttons. When connected to broadband internet, the radio contacts a 
server in Holland to allow readers to choose from a current list of available 
radio stations and podcasts.

Although built primarily for blind and visually impaired users and available to 
such users on free permanent loan, the Sonata is also suitable for other users, 
said Fiona Fountain, head of fundraising and information for the BWBF. "It's so 
simple to use that anybody who has limited mobility - for example, older people 
with poor manual dexterity - or people who may not use computers can use it", 
she said.

Fountain said the radio has other potential applications, as it has the 
potential to broadcast messages to other Sonata users such as news of other 
radio services. "The BWBF could record its own message to tell people about a 
new service on Sonata," said Fountain. "This means we can do it live, without 
having to write a letter, get it Brailled, or use large print or CD format, and 
then post it out, as we've had to do in past."

The concept for the Sonata originates from Holland, where churches used the 
system to enable the home-bound to listen in to their local church service. The 
company responsible for developing the product, Solutions Radio, realised it 
had wider applications and approached the BWBF to develop it for the UK market. 
For those not qualifying for a loan, the Sonata costs £299 with a further 
one-off activation charge of £52. 

First Internet Web Radio Launched For Blind Users 
Tristan Parker 
Tue, 24 Nov 2009 14:15:49 GMT


http://accesstechnews.wordpress.com/2009/11/24/first-internet-web-radio-launched-for-blind-users/
Jose Lopez
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