Dot is a new braille smartwatch that aims to help the visually impaired

From touchscreen to e-ink displays, wearable technology has come a long way over the years. Unfortunately, the wearable and mobile technologies many of us have access to on a daily basis just aren’t compatible with certain ways of life. With that said, there’s a new wearable out there that aims to offer blind users quick access to notifications, the time, directions, and much more.

It’s called the Dot, and it basically performs most of the same tasks many other smartwatches can. It can give you the time, navigation directions, remind you of an event, let you communicate with friends, and even connect to other devices using Bluetooth 4.0. The big story with the Dot is its display, which consists of a set of dull pins that lower and rise up, spelling out words in braille when a user places their finger on it. Users can even customize the device’s refresh speed, making it possible to read as fast or as slow as needed. This unique display can also act as an e-reader of sorts, which gives visually-impaired users an affordable alternative to portable braille e-readers.

The device also features a battery that will supposedly last up to 10 hours on a single charge, as well as its own braille learning system that will help users learn the language.

Pre-orders for the Dot will start later this year for less than $300, and if all goes as planned, the wearable should ship out to early adopters this December. If you’re interested in learning more about the Dot, feel free to check out the official website at the source link below.