[NFB-Seniors] Easier way perhaps for those in need of a phone option

Tue Mar 9 15:16:11 UTC 2021

Hi, Judy,
Thank you so much for that info. People who are going blind, or some who haven't been blind for very long, ask me about accessible phones. Thank you so much for this PURRtinent info!
Lauren Merryfield

"What a power is love! It is the most wonderful, the greatest of all living powers. Love gives life to the lifeless. Love lights a flame in the heart that is cold.Love brings hope to the hopeless and gladdens the hearts of the sorrowful. In the world of existence there is indeed no greater power than the power of love."  
Abdu'l-Baha

-----Original Message-----
From: NFB-Seniors <nfb-seniors-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Judy Jones via NFB-Seniors
Sent: Sunday, March 7, 2021 2:21 PM
To: 'NFB Senior Division list (Announce-Only)' <nfb-seniors at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Judy Jones <sonshines59 at gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [NFB-Seniors] Easier way perhaps for those in need of a phone option

Hi,

This is just my two cents, but if it is a phone that won't upgrade with AT&T by 2022, as it says in the description from Raz Mobility, that raises a red flag with me and could indicate that it may not have a long life with other carriers either.

Using the Android platform and having experienced other phones, including Android flip phones, and phones on the Kai operating system, I have a problem with specialty phones for the blind that are usually over-priced for what you get.

The Android flip phone I have with physical buttons and a touch screen is the Samsung Galaxy Folder 2, I think I bought for $291, back in 2017 from Ebay.  It's downside is that I had to have sighted assistance installing TalkBack, but that is it.  When the screen goes dark, TalkBack turns off, but only takes about five seconds to wake up, once you have the device set to do so and flip open the screen.

It holds all my 100 plus apps, and is a fully functional Android phone.

The other day, just for fun, I purchased Nokia 6300.  You can use all the features and settings on the phone that are part of the phone by using the phone's Readout feature, and it starts speaking out of the box.

However, the Readout is not a true screen reader, in the sense that you can go on the internet with it.  Readout stops working when you try to access Facebook, Youtube, etc.  

However, if all you want to do is talk and text and e-mail, and you need Google Assistant, this device has it, and it cost me $69.99.  Just like the GoFlip series, you can text talk, and e-mail with these phones, plus manipulate all their settings and features for a fraction of the cost.

The Kyocera DuraXE (AT&T), and the DuraV (Verizon, same thing.

When looking for a voice accessible phone, sadly, any voice guidance/readout is never mentioned in specs or on the box.  You have to physically go into the device Settings itself, then Accessibility menu to find something similar to Voice Guide, Readout, etc.  Anything indicates that the phone will speak the screen aloud.

Judy

-----Original Message-----
From: NFB-Seniors <nfb-seniors-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of jane degenshein via NFB-Seniors
Sent: Saturday, March 6, 2021 1:30 PM
To: nfb seniors div list <nfb-seniors at nfbnet.org>
Cc: jane degenshein <jdegen16 at comcast.net>
Subject: [NFB-Seniors] Easier way perhaps for those in need of a phone option

Here you go friends:
Simple cell phone for people with vision loss

Easy-to-use talking phone that takes care of all the basic telecommunications needs. The talking voice guide provides someone who is blind with the ability to use every feature of the phone. And the large tactile buttons allow users to navigate the phone with ease.
Users can place calls, send text messages, and more, with voice commands.
Unlocked 4G phone for T-Mobile, AT&T* and other compatible GSM providers, such as MINT Mobile, Red Pocket Mobile and Metro by T-Mobile.
*The MiniVision2 may not work on AT&T after February 2022. If this occurs, users with AT&T service would need to switch to T-Mobile or a wireless reseller that operates on the T-Mobile network.

Phone calls
The user can place phone calls by pressing the talking buttons or using voice commands. There is a speaking caller-ID for incoming calls.
Voice guide
MiniVision2 will speak everything on the screen and everything you press, providing complete independence and accessibility. It will also speak items like caller ID, battery level and more. Multiple languages and voices are available.
Contacts
People who are blind can add contacts independently. Contacts are read out loud as the user scrolls through their contact list. Calls can be placed from contacts.
Voice commands
Users can place phone calls, send text messages, add contacts or record notes using voice commands.
Big Buttons
The buttons are large and well-spaced. The Ok button is a textured button that is easy to identify; and the five key, power button and call button have prominent bumps.
SOS button
A dedicated SOS button on the back of the phone triggers a call to emergency contacts.
Text messages
Text messages can be composed with the talking buttons or by voice.
Received messages are read out loud.
Other capabilities
Other features include alarm, calendar, FM radio, color identifier, voice memos, calculator, notes, flashlight, where am I?, camera, photo album and weather. All talk and are accessible to people who are blind.
Speed dial
User can place calls by pressing a single button.
BUY
MiniVision2 Features
. Voice guide
. Voice commands
. All features are accessible
. Phone calls
. Text messages
. Large tactile buttons
. Speaking caller ID
. Adjustable font size and color scheme
. Alarm
. Calendar
. FM radio
. Color identifier
. Money identifier
. Weather
. Where am I?
. Speaks status information, such time, date and battery level . Calculator . Voice memos . Notes . Flashlight . Camera and photo album . Dedicated SOS button . Unlocked for GSM networks* . Multiple languages and voices available - English, Spanish and more

_______________________________________________

Keep Smiling,
Janie Degenshein
Happiness isn't having what you want, but wanting what you already have!
Facilitator of ECHO (Eyes Closed Hearts Open) state affiliate board member President of the senior division of the National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey to join the senior list serve:
https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nfbnet.org%2Fmailman%2Flistinfo%2Fnfbnj-seniors_nfbnet.org&data=04%7C01%7C%7Ce53daf1f62fa4edbf35408d8e2541740%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637508198074534243%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=LoKLD4ZXr4X4upZAcGIQigS9P8K0GgGZq5GjjhF%2BVw8%3D&reserved=0
President of the Technology division of the National federation of the Blind of New Jersey To join the tech div list serve:
https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nfbnet.org%2Fmailman%2Flistinfo%2Fnjtechdiv_nfbnet.org&data=04%7C01%7C%7Ce53daf1f62fa4edbf35408d8e2541740%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637508198074544236%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=rhVLW0FaCUTLhjmd2RhmllM%2B1fLIwcoLqCRcj79Ol0g%3D&reserved=0
to join in the membership forms for NFBNJ chapters and divisions, go to:
https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nfbnj.org%2Fchapter-division-membership-forms%2F%23&data=04%7C01%7C%7Ce53daf1f62fa4edbf35408d8e2541740%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637508198074544236%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=%2B1W3JdJdhyyZuasGmt81AR6VUN%2FUoxCBN7YuBbXZpnk%3D&reserved=0
NFBNJ Newsline co-ordinator
jdegen16 at comcast.net
_______________________________________________
NFB-Seniors mailing list
NFB-Seniors at nfbnet.org
https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnfbnet.org%2Fmailman%2Flistinfo%2Fnfb-seniors_nfbnet.org&data=04%7C01%7C%7Ce53daf1f62fa4edbf35408d8e2541740%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637508198074544236%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=3rtP2mlWeOWWR9NrlTGjXd%2BFbiwMtsiq99eT0tOpa5s%3D&reserved=0
Division website:  https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fseniors.nfb.org%2F&data=04%7C01%7C%7Ce53daf1f62fa4edbf35408d8e2541740%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637508198074544236%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=YhBbNLIPiKqOv7oX1L8aAp%2FFztjy6%2BImw9l%2BZ%2FcJkTg%3D&reserved=0 To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NFB-Seniors:
https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnfbnet.org%2Fmailman%2Foptions%2Fnfb-seniors_nfbnet.org%2Fsonshines59%2540gmail.com&data=04%7C01%7C%7Ce53daf1f62fa4edbf35408d8e2541740%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637508198074544236%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=JzeKBo%2FN98g9CfFyodTXAFyG1KL0rhTf852vZFVp7Ds%3D&reserved=0

_______________________________________________
NFB-Seniors mailing list
NFB-Seniors at nfbnet.org
https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnfbnet.org%2Fmailman%2Flistinfo%2Fnfb-seniors_nfbnet.org&data=04%7C01%7C%7Ce53daf1f62fa4edbf35408d8e2541740%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637508198074544236%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=3rtP2mlWeOWWR9NrlTGjXd%2BFbiwMtsiq99eT0tOpa5s%3D&reserved=0
Division website:  https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fseniors.nfb.org%2F&data=04%7C01%7C%7Ce53daf1f62fa4edbf35408d8e2541740%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637508198074544236%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=YhBbNLIPiKqOv7oX1L8aAp%2FFztjy6%2BImw9l%2BZ%2FcJkTg%3D&reserved=0
To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NFB-Seniors:
https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnfbnet.org%2Fmailman%2Foptions%2Fnfb-seniors_nfbnet.org%2Flauren7877%2540outlook.com&data=04%7C01%7C%7Ce53daf1f62fa4edbf35408d8e2541740%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637508198074544236%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=%2Blg0%2BXuednKIVBl31q0Zi2TufExrf0szdw3zoGTGHAg%3D&reserved=0