Smartphone for people with limited mobility can be controlled without touch

From Israel, Sesame is the first smartphone that works for disabled people out of the box.

These days, smartphones are taken somewhat for granted. They're so integral to our daily lives that accidentally leaving them at home or charged at low battery can constitute a mini disaster. However, there's some members of society who aren't able to use them. We've previously written about pererro, a kit that helps attach joysticks to iOS devices to make them easier to use for those with mobility difficulties. Now Sesame is the first smartphone that works for disabled people out of the box.

For most consumers, performing some tasks on a handheld device like a smartphone can be a bit fiddly. For those without the use of their hands, or limited dexterity, it's nigh on impossible. When buying a Sesame phone, customers receive a Google Nexus 5 that's preloaded with a special layer of software that makes the device more accessible.

Voice commands are set up to trigger events — for example, saying Open Sesame will turn on the phone — and users can also use their voice for entering text and composing messages. Using the front-facing camera, the phone also accurately tracks head movements that can be used to control an on-screen cursor. This means that users can navigate app menus, scroll through Facebook and play Flappy Bird without touching the phone.

Watch the video below to learn more about the device:

Sesame is currently seeking funding via Indiegogo, and backers can pre-order the phone for USD 700 (paying USD 350 now and the rest upon receipt) until 11 December. Are there other ways to make new technology accessible to those with disabilities?

Indiegogo: www.igg.me/at/sesamephone