UK brand launches 'world's first' braille mobile phone

British mobile phone brand OwnFone, which specializes in simplified devices for children and seniors, has just launched an innovative phone for blind and visually impaired users.

The-Braille-Phone-by-British-manufacturer-OwnFone-is-priced-at-60-around-100-Photo-AFP

British mobile phone brand OwnFone, which specializes in simplified devices for children and seniors, has just launched an innovative phone for blind and visually impaired users.

Though other phones with braille buttons have been designed in the past, OwnFone's Braille Phone is the first model to go on sale, the BBC reports.

A very basic device, the Braille Phone has only a few buttons, each of which can be customized using 3D printing. Four large buttons on the front allow the user to quick-dial four main contacts, whose names can be embossed in braille or raised text. The device also allows visually impaired users to easily locate the buttons for answering and ending a call.

For the time being, the model is on sale in the UK exclusively through the manufacturer's website at the price of £60 (around $100).