Typing on a mobile device is frustrating for people who are blind and visually impaired. Using landscape view enlarges the keys a little, but tapping the right one is a constant battle.
So when I read about the Fleksy iOS app, I was intrigued. After seeing it in action, I was blown away. This app may represent the most significant leap in accessibility for blind people since the screen reader.
Fleksy uses next-generation pattern recognition technology to decipher words as one types. But this is no mere word prediction or auto-correct utility: tap anywhere near the intended keys, and Fleksy deduces the word you want and speaks it aloud.
It's almost comic to watch the video demo on developer Syntellia's website.
I rely on Google auto-correct ("Did you mean...") more than I should, but with Fleksy, you can miss every key and still type the write word.
Provided the user knows the layout of a QWERTY keyboard, Fleksy makes it possible for a blind person to type as fast and as accurately as any sighted user.
The app's not perfect: it costs $15 and takes getting used to. But removing the need to see keys while enabling access to them is an in an achievement.
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