Nokia Announces Winners of Its Contest for Windows Phone Apps for Vision-Impaired Users

The following blog post was written by David Dzumba – Senior Program Manager, Accessibility at Microsoft. He has worked in this area of the technology sector for more than 16 years.

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In November, we told you about a Nokia contest that rewards developers of apps for vision-impaired users. Now Nokia Create has announced the winner and runners up of its Nokia Create’s Do Good Mission:

Winner:

TheFunnies
Developed by Yowlu SCP in Spain, TheFunnies is a game designed to be accessible to kids with visual impairments without dwelling on their disability. The app has a simple user interface and voice instructions that guide kids on a fantastic adventure with their new friends. In addition to being fun, the app offers learning opportunities in music, reading and math.

Do Good Mission runners up:

AudibleBrowser
When browsing the Internet by phone, this app reads aloud as the user clicks text. It works with most websites.

AudibleCompass
This app speaks and vibrates. It audibly tells a user the direction and orientation between 0 and 360 degrees. It vibrates for a short duration when the user faces north and vibrates for a longer time when the user faces south.

ColorSense
The app has the capability to read colors aloud and detect 16 colors using a camera on a device.

Dictionary
Users gave this app 4.5 out of 5 stars in just its first week of availability. Words are stored on the device for quick access without a data connection.

EyeLens
EyeLens has both a color identifier and zoom function. The app uses gestures, leftright to switch filter and updown to zoom in and zoom out.

LightSensor
LightSensor transforms light captured by a camera into haptic and acoustic feedback.

Shake2Dial
This easy interface lets users make a phone call eyes-free with just a few shakes.

VisualEase
A pleasing user interface and audible feedback make this a great app for reporting the weather and time. It also has a LockScreen, virtual keyboard and other functions.

Vocal Camera
This app lets users control their phone camera with their voice. Vocal commands can be customized, and the app is available in six languages.

These new and free apps complement the advancements Microsoft has made in accessibility of the Windows Phone. For a list of recent updates, please visit “Accessibility on my phone.”