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

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

Text 999

The emergencySMS service lets deaf, hard of hearing and speech-impaired people in the UK send an SMS text message to the UK 999 service where it will be passed to the police, ambulance, fire rescue, or coastguard.
Simply by sending an SMS message to 999 you can call for help and the emergency services will be able to reply to you.

You will need to register your mobile phone before using the emergencySMS service.
To register using SMS text messages you must:
Send the word 'register' in an SMS message to 999
You will then receive SMS messages about the service
When you have read these SMS messages reply by sending 'yes' in an SMS message to 999
You will receive a SMS message telling you that your mobile phone is registered or if there is a problem with your registration

More details at http://www.emergencysms.org.uk/

Be responsible: only use 999 service if:
Life is at risk;
Crime/trouble is happening now;
Someone is injured or threatened;
Person committing crime is near;
There is a fire or people trapped;
You need an ambulance urgently;
Someone is in trouble, or missing, at sea,
Someone is in trouble on the cliffs or on the shoreline