Novartis launches first Apple Watch app for the visually impaired Posted by Simon Jones on 2 July 2015Novartis Pharmaceuticals has launched the first app for visually impaired people for use with the Apple Watch and other smart watches. ViaOpta Nav, which is part of the manufacturer's existing ViaOpta suite of apps, has been updated for use with the Apple Watch. Novartis said the apps fostered independence through step-by-step navigation and help facilitated recognition of everyday items such as money, colours, objects and people. The discreet, hands-free nature of wearable devices allowed the apps to seamlessly fit into their existing routines. ViaOpta Nav is the first turn-by-turn navigation app available for a wearable device designed specifically for visually impaired people, said Novartis. It provides voice guidance and vibration settings, which alert the user to upcoming junctions and points of interest.The users can ask for their exact position, add waypoints to a calculated route, and find nearby destinations and save them as favourites. Information on specific accessibility facilities such as tactile pavement and crossings, traffic lights with sound was also available – provided that the information is available on OpenStreetMaps for the area which the user is in. Exact positions can also be shared with carers and families.'We are proud to contribute and play a role in making these simple and convenient tools like the ViaOpta Nav app available around the world,' said David Epstein, head of pharma division, Novartis Pharmaceuticals.
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