Galaxy S5 features innovation for the visually, hearing and physically impaired

Thursday, 24 April 2014 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Galaxy S5 smartphone is hailed for adding value to the everyday lives of the users that require special assistance. The Galaxy S5 has solidified its position as a smartphone that has developed innovations for the most fundamental, frequently used major features of a smartphone such as its camera and battery.

Not only does the Galaxy S5 have these improved basic features, but it also provides significantly better accessibility for the disabled. The Galaxy S5 is equipped with features that were specially designed with the needs of specific senior and disabled communities in mind. These features are highlighted on an accessibility menu that is broken down by category, enabling users to easily identify and operate them. The explanations for each feature are as follows: 1. Features for persons with low vision TalkBack: TalkBack is a feature that reads text on a smartphone’s screen for the visually impaired. TalkBack also works with the device’s camera by dividing the screen into nine sections and informing the user where to locate faces before taking a picture. If one person is identified, it guides the user to position the face in the middle of the screen. Through this feature, the user can more easily utilise the Galaxy S5’s powerful 16-megapixel camera. Additionally, when users move their smartphone away from their ear during an ARS call, the phone automatically switches to speakerphone mode to allow the user to press buttons during a call more easily. This feature also enables the smartphone to read numbers a user presses out loud.

Dark screen: To protect the privacy of the visually impaired, users can access the Galaxy S5’s features with the screen turned off. With this feature the user can operate the device without having to be conscious of others in public places. Because the smartphone is operated with the screen off, power consumption is also reduced. Font size: The Galaxy S5 provides seven different font sizes including smallest, very small, small, medium, large, very large and largest so that users can choose the font size they are most comfortable reading. Negative colours and colour adjustment: The Galaxy S5 is equipped with a feature that reverses colours to increase readability on the Galaxy S5’s display. Moreover, for those who have a hard time reading texts in certain colours, the device allows users to customise and fine-tune subtle colours. The Galaxy S5 also has a feature that uses an Optical Reader to extract texts and data from images, documents, name cards and QR codes in order to identify patterns of colour and read text out loud. This feature enables the visually impaired to do more with their device, such as choosing an outfit by perceiving colours shown on the display. (Download necessary) 2. Features for persons with hearing difficulties Baby cry detector: This feature, developed specifically for people who have a hearing impairment, notifies users with vibration when the Galaxy S5 detects sounds of a crying baby when they are with children. Users can also receive these alerts through Gear devices including Gear 2, Gear 2 Neo, Gear Fit and Gear 1. Users can easily distinguish these notifications by setting a different vibration pattern from their incoming calls or alarm notifications. Auto haptic: This feature switches sound to vibration. The Galaxy S5 vibrates with sounds produced by certain applications for music, games and video so that users can enjoy a better sensory experience with the Galaxy S5. Flash notification: This feature notifies users of alerts, incoming calls and alarms with a flashing light on the camera. Turn off all sounds: This feature allows users to mute all smartphone sounds in one go, helping users who are hard of hearing to avoid mistakes such having their phone ring in a library or during a performance.

3. Features for persons with physical disabilities Assistant menu: This is a virtual mouse pad designed for users with limited hand movement. It enables them to enjoy frequently-used features more quickly and easily. Users can set frequently used menus and adjust the touch pad and cursor’s size as well as the speed of the cursor. The Galaxy S5 additionally provides an ‘Assistant Plus’ which displays menu options for frequently used features such as photo gallery and contacts. Air gesture: This feature enables users who are unable to push hardware buttons to turn on the screen simply by waving their hand over it. Interaction control: This feature lets the user choose an input method when using applications or settings. A user can disable the touch screen input as well as the lock auto screen rotation and the hardware key to prevent making accidental commands. Direct access: In addition to the above-listed features, the Galaxy S5 offers functions that enable users to easily operate the device’s accessibility features. This feature enables the user to quickly run accessibility features by pressing the home key three times while in any screen. From there, users can easily set or disable accessibility, TalkBack, colour reversal and input control.