Valentine’s Day is here, and love is in the air! With your RealSAM Pocket, you can use your voice to make the day special for your special someone. Here are 4 ways RealSAM Pocket can help on Valentine’s Day.

Use RealSAM Pocket to Send Sweet Messages

‘Roses are red, violets are blue, I never knew love until I found you.’

Use your RealSAM Pocket to send your special someone messages that will remind them just how much you love them. Valentine’s Day gives you the perfect excuse to dabble into poetry or Shakesperean quotations. If you’d rather brighten their day with laughter, send a message with a funny but lovey joke.

It’s easy to send messages by voice on the RealSAM Pocket. Just press the “tap to talk” button and say, ‘Text message.’ RealSAM will ask, ‘What message do you want to send?’ Press the ‘tap to talk’ and say what you want to send. Choose who you want to send to and listen for RealSAM’s confirmation. If you have a long message and it’s challenging to say it all in one go, no worries, just send multiple messages. Your sweetheart will be able to view your conversation thread on their phone.

Likewise, it’s just as easy if you’re sending messages to someone who’s using the RealSAM Pocket. Just text, ‘Happy Valentine’s Day,’ as you would normally. They will get a notification, and RealSAM will read your messages aloud for them.

Use RealSAM Pocket to Call Your Sweetheart

“I just want you to know that you’re special and wish you a Happy Valentine’s Day.”

Use RealSAM Pocket to call your sweetheart if they can’t be with you on Valentine’s Day. It’s easy to do when you can add them to your contacts by voice. Just press the “tap to talk” button and say, “Add contact.” RealSAM will ask for their name and number. After you’ve saved their information, you can easily call them by pressing the “tap to talk” and saying, “Call…”

If you’re calling someone who’s using the RealSAM Pocket, RealSAM will let them know that it’s you. When sight loss is a challenge, with voice-control, RealSAM can keep you connected on Valentine’s Day.

Use RealSAM Pocket to Shop for Thoughtful Gifts

Flowers, chocolates, treats, jewelry… There are so many gift options to choose from for Valentine’s Day.

You can use your RealSAM Pocket to shop. If you’re visually impaired, use the built-in video magnifier to zoom into items you are interested in. If you’re severely sight impaired, use the object-text-recognition (OCR) feature to hear the names and get detailed information written on the product. For example, if you’re shopping for assorted chocolates, RealSAM can read the flavors written on the package.

If you’re sending a Valentine’s Day card to your special someone who uses a RealSAM Pocket, the OCR recognizes handwriting. They’ll be able to listen to your special greeting with their RealSAM phone.

Use RealSAM Pocket to Make a Reservation for a Date Night

Get dressed up for a romantic evening out with your Valentine.

Don’t forget to make reservations in advance. Valentine’s Day has a habit of sneaking up and doing things last minute means nothing’s available.

Did you know that it’s just as easy to save the names and numbers of restaurants and businesses you frequent on your RealSAM contact list? You can add these by voice. Or have a friend or a family member log onto your RealSAM Customer Portal. There they can easily add contacts of businesses, organizations, and services you find helpful.

And so, you can simply press the “tap to talk” and ask RealSAM to book your desired date night destination. And if you need help finding the perfect outfit, you can use RealSAM to connect to Be My Eyes. Sighted volunteers can tell you what colors could go together to complete your stylish outfit.

The post 4 Ways RealSAM Pocket Can Help on Valentine’s Day appeared first on RealSAM USA.

2024 is here! Are you looking to try out new things this January? Along with new diets and exercise routines, why not try a new phone that could make this year more accessible.

If you or someone you know have a difficult time using regular smartphones because of vision problems, check out RealSAM. We offer mobile phones powered by voice—making it easier for visually impaired users to stay connected.

How do you know you need something more accessible?

Are you having trouble using an iPhone or Android mobile phone?

1. Do You avoid making calls because you might mess up your phone?
2. Are you partially sighted, and it’s difficult to read small text and see apps?
3. Is it easier to just ask someone else to send messages for you? You find it too hard to type with the on-screen keyboard.
4. As someone who’s totally blind, do you struggle with your phone’s screen reader?
5. Do you get frustrated because you can’t remember the correct accessibility gestures?

If these kinds of issues keep you from using your phone, it’s time to consider getting an accessible phone.

RealSAM phones are accessible for users with sight loss.

With RealSAM phones, staying connected is the main priority. We’ve eliminated unnecessary apps and complex settings options. There’s no need to sift through things just to make a simple phone call.

RealSAM phones are accessible, keeping things friendly and simple to use for people who are blind or visually impaired. It’s easier for someone experiencing vision problems to navigate the screen on a RealSAM phone. Our interface includes a simple layout, high contrast colours, and large, bold texts. These features make it easier for partially sighted people to see everything.

If you are severely sight impaired, you can use one gesture to open the main menu and have RealSAM tell you exactly what you’re selecting. Do everything else with voice commands. There’s one large ‘tap to talk’ button on the screen that will allow you to control your phone. Make calls, send and receive messages, manage contacts, get assistance and enjoy tons of content—just press the ‘tap to talk’ button and tell RealSAM what you’d like to do.

Learn more about RealSAM when you browse the following articles highlighting additional features.

The Video Magnifier on RealSAM

Pocket’s Navigation Tool – Outdoor Locations

Pocket’s Navigation Tool – Orientation Feature

7 Things to Consider When Shopping for a Cell Phone for Seniors

The post A New Accessible Phone for A New Year appeared first on RealSAM USA.

At RealThing Ai it’s our mission to deliver solutions that help blind and visually impaired users go through their day independently. Pocket’s Navigation Tool, Outdoor Locations is one assistive feature, enabling someone who’s blind or has low vision to find their way any time they’re traveling outdoors.

Here’s everything you need to know about Outdoor Locations.

Outdoor Locations vs. Map Apps

Outdoor Location is a navigation tool that relies on Pocket’s built-in GPS receiver. It allows RealSAM to track your location and tell you where you are as you travel outside.

Outdoor Locations will not give you step-by-step directions to get from point A to point B. It’s not like other map applications. It’s a tool that you customize to help you find your way as you walk a familiar route. The first time you use Outdoor Locations in a new route, you label specific points in your travel as locations that will be saved on a list. The next time you travel the same route, Outdoor Locations will let you know that you are approaching or passing those points. It will also let you know your distance and direction from your nearest saved locations.

Starting and Stopping Outdoor Locations

As with everything RealSAM, Outdoor Locations is simple and easy to use. Simply press the “tap to talk” button on your Pocket and say, “Start Outdoor Locations.” RealSAM will respond with, “Starting Outdoor Locations.”

It will also remind you that Outdoor Locations uses a lot more battery power than other applications, so be aware about your cellphone having enough charge. One suggestion for anyone who wants to use Outdoor Locations for longer periods would be to carry a portable backup charging device. You can hook up your phone on the go and not worry about draining the battery as you use Outdoor Locations to navigate.

When you’re done using Outdoor Locations, simply, “tap to talk” and say, “Stop Outdoor Locations.” Pocket will say, “Stopping Outdoor Locations.” Your cellphone will then return to normal battery usage. You can start and stop Outdoor Locations at any time as you travel, it will automatically detect where you are and your nearest labeled locations.

Labeling Locations

If you start Outdoor Locations, but you have not yet labeled any points, Pocket will not say anything as you move since it has no list to refer to. Additionally, you must have Outdoor Locations running before you can begin labeling locations. Also, note that while you can label locations indoors, Outdoor Locations works best, more accurately outside.

To label a location, start Outdoor Locations. Stand at the spot you want to label, press the “tap to talk” button and say, “Label location as…” or “Add location as…” For example, if you want to add your house, stand by your front door, press the “tap to talk” and say, “Add location as Home.” Or “Label location as Home.” Pocket may say, “Home 0 feet.” This means you’re standing right where your label is. Then as you walk away, every minute or so, with Outdoor Locations turned on, Pocket will say something like, “Home 10 feet back,” meaning that your front door is now 10 feet behind you. As you get closer to your front door, Pocket may say something like, “Home 10 feet front.”

Customizing Your Locations

You can label as many locations as you want with different names. Every one will automatically be saved on your locations list and detected the next time that you’re near it.

Label stores and streets by their actual names like, “Starbucks”, “Aldi”, and “Corner of University Way”. Get creative with your location names; label the beginning of your driveway, “Home At Last”, the entrance of your favorite park, “Best Place Ever”, the corner of a noisy street, “Noisy Lane”, etc. Set unique landmarks like, “1^st Park Bench”, and “3^rd Buildings from Lisa’s Apartment”.

When it’s difficult or not possible to see landmarks and read signs, it’s reassuring to know that you’re going the right way. You’ll hear Pocket tell you that you’re approaching the different landmarks you’ve set along the way.

Managing Your Location List

It’s easy to change the name of your location labels. Simply press the “tap to talk” button and say, “List locations.” Select the location you want to change and say, “Change to…” For example, if you want to change your label from “Home” to “My Castle”, select “Home” from the list and say, “Change to My Castle.” Pocket will ask you to confirm the change by saying, “Please say, ‘Yes.’ If you want to change name to My Castle, or, ‘No.’ to cancel.”

Likewise, remove locations from your list by selecting the location and saying, “Delete.” Pocket will ask you to confirm by saying, “Say, ‘Yes’ to delete or ‘No’ to cancel.”

Setting Focus Points

One more thing you can do from your Locations List is to set a “focus point”. This is telling Pocket that your goal is to reach that particular location. For example, select “Home” from the list and say, “Focus.” From then on, Pocket will notify you with something like, “Focus point ‘Home’ 20 feet front right.” This lets you know you’re going in the right direction; your front door is 20 feet forward to your right. If your aim is “Home” but you hear Pocket say something like, “Focus point ‘Home’ 50 feet back,” then you know you’re going the opposite way and you need to turn around.

More Navigation Tools and Assistive Features on Pocket

Learn more about Outdoor Locations by reading “Meet Margaret”. She shares her experience with Pocket and describes how she uses Outdoor Locations on her walks.

RealSAM Pocket has additional navigational features without having to turn on Outdoor Locations. You can read more about this feature from “Pocket’s Navigation Tool – Orientation Features” from the RealSAM News Page.

Check out other RealSAM assistive tools on Pocket:

Accessible Global Time, Date, and Weather on your RealSAM Pocket

The Video Magnifier on RealSAM

7 Things to Consider When Shopping for a Cell Phone for Seniors

–End of Article–

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The RealSAM Pocket is not just accessible, it’s also designed with features that support everyday independence for those who are blind or visually impaired. Pocket has a Navigation Tool with Orientation Features that will help you find your way. Here are two things you can find out using Pocket’s Orientation Features.

Ask Pocket Where You – Get Accurate Location

The RealSAM location tool can accurately tell you where you are and what’s around you.

Just press the “tap to talk” button and ask, “Where am I?” Pocket will tell you the nearest address and cross street detected by the GPS. Personally, every time I’ve done this with my Pocket, I’m able to get an accurate location. When I’m at home, I’ve had Pocket tell me that, ‘You’re close to…’ my exact address, and an approximate distance from the nearest intersecting street.

I’ve found that if I’ve just started the phone, or if it has been inactive for a while, it takes one or two tries to get the GPS on point. If at any time you ask Pocket, ‘Where am I?’ and you get a response that doesn’t sound familiar or you know is not correct, just give it another go, or give it a minute and then try again. This hasn’t happened to me often, but when it does after the second time, the GPS would readjust and function normally, providing accurate location.

Ask Pocket What’s Around You – Get Nearby Points of Interests

In addition to pinpointing your location, you can also find out what’s around you with Pocket. “Tap to talk” and use these phrases:

“What’s near me?”

“What’s nearby?”

“What’s around here?”

“Local points of interests.”

RealSAM will respond with “Where you are, nearby points of interest include…” and list businesses, restaurants, stores, places of worship, and more. For example, from one location in town, Pocket might tell me, “Where you are, nearby points of interests include Cullet Guttering Services, Audio Recording, Jean’s Auto Painting, Cindy’s Cleaning Solutions, Spring Theatre, Grace Bible College…”

You can continue to check for what’s around you as you walk or anytime you are somewhere new.

How Can this Orientation Feature Be Helpful to You?

Using the RealSAM orientation feature to find out where you are and what’s nearby will help you navigate any time you are out. It can be especially useful in certain situations.

1. Navigating a new or an unfamiliar place

It’s helpful to have a friend or a guide when going somewhere for the first time. It gives you an opportunity to get the lay of the land when someone can describe what’s around. You can get specific directions that will help you become more familiar with that location.

But it’s not always possible to go to a new place with a sighted guide. The RealSAM orientation feature can be helpful, for instance, to confirm that you’ve arrived at the correct location after traveling via public transportation or ride-share. As long as you know the street or address of your destination, you can gain more confidence by confirming your location when you ask RealSAM, “Where am I?”

If your destination is a place of business or a shop, and you’re not directly in front of it when you get off your ride, you can see if Pocket can detect it when you ask, “What’s nearby?” For example, if you’re looking for your favorite restaurant, Pocket will be able to tell you that it’s in your vicinity. This feature will not give you step-by-step directions, but it will help you to get a sense of your surroundings and allow you to make a better decision about which direction to set out for.

2. Meeting up with a friend

You can use this orientation feature when you’re meeting someone. Ask Pocket, “Where am I?” Then tell your Pocket to call your friend and relay the nearest cross street and the nearest address.

3. Giving directions

If you need to let someone know where to pick you up, you can tell them what you’re close to and your exact location according to Pocket.

4. Discover a new point of interest

Have you ever gone somewhere and had no idea that your favorite store was right around the corner? The next time you go to one of your regular locations, ask Pocket, “What’s nearby?” You’ll discover interesting new places to try. You might not be able to go there right then and there, but you can take note of it. Then later, have a family member, friend, or mobility instructor map out a route for another time.

5. Use the RealSAM orientation feature with Be My Eyes

Find out what’s around you using the RealSAM orientation feature, then get sighted assistance from a Be My Eyes volunteer. Using your phone’s camera, they can let you know if that point of interest is accessible from where you are. They can describe your surroundings in detail, read signs you can’t see and give you some directions.

More Location Tools and Assistive Features

RealSAM Pocket includes additional navigation tools that can help you navigate. Find out more from “Pocket’s Navigation Tool – Outdoor Locations” from RealSAM News Page.

RealSAM devices also include additional assistive features. Check out these articles on the RealSAM News Page.

Accessible Global Time, Date, and Weather on your RealSAM Pocket

The Video Magnifier on RealSAM

7 Things to Consider When Shopping for a Cell Phone for Seniors 

–End of Article–

The post Pocket’s Navigation Tool – Orientation Features appeared first on RealSAM USA.

At RealSAM our mission has been to empower individuals living with sight loss using innovative technology that makes a difference in everyday life. We aim to always prioritize accessibility, and in light of Blindness Awareness Month we want to share our enthusiasm for the future by shining a light on technology that’s breaking barriers for the visually impaired community.

Smart Technology for the Visually Impaired

There’s no other way to say it. Navigating the world with low vision or total blindness is difficult. There are many things that you don’t have control over. You can’t easily get to where you need to go, you can’t always read what you need to know, and it’s painful when your lack of vision prevents you from doing things for the ones you love.

It’s difficult, but not impossible. In whatever stage of life we’re in, and whatever degree of vision we have, technology is making success more accessible.

Artificial intelligence AI is technology that’s breaking barriers for thousands of blind and visually impaired people all over the world. AI has the power to make things that were previously only accessible by sight now accessible to people with limited or no sight at all.

To put things simply, in today’s digital age, computers are capable of problem solving—and for the visually impaired person, it’s about getting information without seeing, and being able to do things without needing sight.

RealThing AI and RealSAM Devices

AI is continuing to develop; it’s being utilized by different companies and it’s becoming integrated more and more into devices, apps, and other digital products.

RealThing AI is leading in using award winning AI technology to eliminate barriers for the blind and visually impaired. By designing assistive technology that relies on AI, RealSAM devices make it possible for visually impaired users to easily interact and control their mobile phones—something that’s challenging for many visually impaired users when faced with the complexity of today’s smartphones and touch screens.

AI Empowers Users in Everyday Life

AI has many different helpful applications for blind and visually impaired people. If you know about object and text recognition, you have an idea of how AI can be helpful in everyday situations for people with low vision. It’s AI technology that allows the computer to detect objects and text in pictures and provide the user with description that could be read by a screen reader, or an app specifically designed for the purpose. For example, you can take a picture of a cereal box and AI can tell you what it is you’re holding. You can take a picture of your surroundings and get a description of what’s around you.

RealSAM devices have these object and text recognition features included with their video magnifier app. This is helpful for everyday tasks like cooking, identifying labels, reading mail, and so much more.

One thing that’s unique about RealSAM devices is the way AI is used to enable users total control by voice. This makes it easier for people who would have difficulty reading and navigating a touch screen by sight, to do what they want to do on their phones. They can simply say a command like, ‘Add a contact,’ ‘Call my sister,’ and ‘Read my messages.’ Additionally, users can have access to information by asking a question like, ‘What’s the forecast?’ or ‘What’s my location?’

A Brighter Future

AI is improving every day. For example, AI has been capable of identifying items on a menu, or even reading you the whole thing, but today, it’s capable of answering a question like, ‘What’s the cheapest appetizer?’ AI can find this information and then answer follow up questions like, ‘What ingredients does that dish contain?’ AI can go beyond telling you that you’re looking at a car. It can describe it to you and tell you what type of car it is. As it improves, its capability to providing assistance with everyday living is a tremendous step towards independence.

This smart technology is exciting. During Blindness Awareness Month, it’s worth noting that we can look forward to more progress when AI is being used to develop solutions for people with sight loss. After all, technology is meant to make life easier. And when it’s being used to improve accessibility instead of creating barriers, we can look forward to a brighter, more inclusive future.

The post October is Blindness Awareness Month appeared first on RealSAM USA.

Have you ever wondered what role assistive technology companies can play in supporting employment and employability of people who are visually impaired? The obvious answer – they create products that support employment and independent living. But what else can these companies do? RealThing Ai is taking a step further and is committing to offering on-the-job training opportunities for people who are visually impaired. We have partnered with the World Services for the Blind to create a formal internship program. 

RealThing Ai is a small company specializing in artificial intelligence (AI) called the voice dialogue. It’s proprietary engine powers the RealSAM Pocket which is an assistive technology phone specifically designed for people who are visually impaired. While serving people who are blind or have low vision with our products is at the core of what we do, contributing to improving access to meaningful jobs and on-the-job training for people who are visually impaired is very dear to our hearts. Today, we want to share with you Sheila’s story and her experience working with us. Watch a conversation between Rachel van Walsum, RealThing Ai’s social media consultant and Sheila Elkins Helms. 

The post A glimpse at working at RealThing Ai – Interview with Sheila Elkins Helms appeared first on RealSAM USA.

From the producers of the show:

“This week, we sit down with Anat Nulman to discuss the RealSAM Pocket, a accessible cell phone that can be completely controlled with one’s voice, that uses a Samsung Galaxy as a hardware base and is compatible with all major cell carriers and data plans. Join us and learn how the RealSAM works and how it might compare to other options.”

Timestamps:

• 0:00 Intro and Jokes
• 10:55 Guest speaker: Who is Anat Nulman?
• 13:00 RealSAM Pocket phone itself compared to other smartphones
• 19:50 Out of the box setup and use, touchscreens and gestures vs tapping 25:50 Phone calls and creating contacts with audio alone
• 32:34 Text Messages
• 39:50 Auditory Contrast and voice options
• 49:00 Wrap up and suggestions for a Part 2 Review of the RealSAM Pocket

The post Tech Connect Live – RealSAM Accessible Voice Activated Phone w/ Anat Nulman – Episode 1 appeared first on RealSAM USA.

Listen to Chris Skidmore, T3 Program Manager. at NC Reading Service Tech Tips and Anat Nulman, Director of Business Development at RealThing Ai discuss the RealSAM Pocket on the June’s edition the Tech Tips Podcast. 

The post RealSAM Pocket on June’s Tech Tips Podcast appeared first on RealSAM USA.

About Accessible World 

The Accessible World seeks to educate the general public, the disabled community and the professionals who serve them by providing highly relevant information about new products, services, and training opportunities designed specifically to eliminate geographic and access barriers that adversely affect them.

To learn more about Accessible World or listen other podcast, visit https://accessibleworld.org/

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