Youth created iPhone app - Phrase Me

NDCSBuzz.org.uk

Phrase Me is an app, created by 18 year old Adam from Antrim in Northern Ireland. "The new iPhone app has been created for deaf and hard of hearing people to help them communicate with hearing people more easily.

The app works by displaying phrases or sentences of your choice on a large text display for other people to read. Users can save the phrases in the app, ready to use again. You can also share phrases with other app users."

To read the full Buzz article click here

Gadget News: iPhone app turns phone into hearing aid

Researchers at the University of Essex have developed a free mobile app that turns an iPhone or iPod into a hearing aid, using the phone’s microphone and a set of headphones.

Unlike standard hearing aids that simply amplify all sounds, the BioAid app is inspired by biology and replicates the complexities of the human ear. Its creators say it puts the user in control, is available to anyone, anywhere, without the need for a hearing test, and potentially holds the key to a future where tiny, phone-based hearing aids can be dispensed and adjusted remotely.

BioAid, which is available on iTunes, has been developed by Professor Ray Meddis of Essex’s Department of Psychology with Nick Clark, formerly a Research Officer in the Department and Dr Wendy Lecluyse of University Campus Suffolk. Unlike standard aids that have a single setting, BioAid has six fixed settings each of which has four fine-tuning settings allowing the user to find the perfect match for their deafness.

Professor Meddis explained: “It’s not inconceivable that we’ll wear phones on our wrist in the near future, or even as tiny devices behind the ear. With the BioAid algorithm and wi-fi technology, we could see dispensers able to remotely adjust the settings on a phone-based aid and even monitor use to ensure the user is getting the most out of it.”

The development of BioAid, which has been funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council and Phonak, is part of a research project to influence the future of hearing aids. The researchers want to hear about people’s experiences using BioAid so that they can continue to perfect the technology. Users can get in touch, and find further information at: http://bioaid.org.uk/.

Download BioAid, the biologically inspired hearing aid, at iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/bioaid/id577764716

Photo credit: Yuichirock

Originally posted on Limping Chicken

New BSL iPhone app!

Check out this new app available for iPad and iphones called Sign It Lite.

So the blurb says it's the world's first online BSL video dictionary but I'm pretty sure someone beat them to it? Maybe this is the first iPhone version.

The reviews for this app are all good and it seems that the signs in the dictionary are done by local children. Sweet!

Gadget News: HTC Windows Phones update for hearing aids

HTC has released an update which allows better call volume for its Windows Smartphones creating a better experience for hearing aid wearers. This comes after Apple recently registered patents for hearing aid compatibility for its iPhone.

Interestingly, HTC's U.S. site reveals that many HTC Smartphones reach the highest standard of hearing aid compatibility already, working with the T switch system and reduced interference with the maximum M4/T4 rating.

Gadget News: Flashing light alerter app coming?

Want to invest in future technology for deaf people? Check out this idea called 'Spark' which switches the lights on and off when your mobile phone alerts .. how cool is that? So it means you can be alerted to texts, calls, whatsapp messages or email.. You could even use your phone to switch off the lights or dim them..The inventor is a CODA (child of deaf adult) himself and was inspired by the flashing lights at home when he was a kid.

The inventor is looking for donations to kick-start this project through Kickstarter.com where you can find out more. Check out the video too..

**Update - this video has subtitles .. hat-tip Nick B and David in the comments**

Via Nick Beese

Sign Language Christmas Songs App

Learn all the best Christmas songs with the help of this smartphone app! Check out the promo video too. And get yours here

Free BSL dictionary app

This month the University of Bristol Centre for Deaf Studies have announced the launch of a free British Sign Language dictionary app – MobileSign with a library of over 4000 signs. For more information follow this link http://www.bris.ac.uk/deaf/english/news/2012/121.html.

Don't forget the fingerspelling app we posted about back in January http://www.pddcs.co.uk/2012/01/bsl-fingerspelling-app-for-android.html

BSL Fingerspelling App for Android Phones

Here is the one you have all been waiting for, a signlanguage app for your Android Smartphone!

This App contains fingerspelling tests to help improve your receptive fingerspelling. It is designed for level two students but suitable for level one improvers and level three beginners. Each test has twenty words or phrases. The tests don't show the face so you won't be able to lip read and thus improve more rapidly. Pause after each word and write it down then check against the answers at the end.

When you have finished doing the fingerspelling on this app, why not move on to BSL fingerspelling part b, c, d. These are designed to get progressively harder by spelling a little faster, using names that aren't so familiar, by having tests of random words, and finally by step D, having some short sentences/proverbial sayings included - with no face showing and thus lip pattern, you have to recognise where one word ends and another begins, to work out the fingerspelling - quite a challenge!

Give it a go - reports are good! 

Remember this app for iphone too?

Hat-tip AC from Action On Hearing Loss Info Line

Name that tune

Hear a song you don't know and want to know the title? The app from Shazam identifies it instantly. Recommended by a deaf colleague this app is free and unlimited.

https://market.android.com/details?id=com.shazam.android&hl=en