Google Talkback is an "Accessibility Service that helps blind and vision-impaired users interact with their devices." "Talkback adds spoken, audible, and vibration feedback to your device. It is a system application that was pre-installed on most devices and is updated when the accessibility service is improved" (Google). Google Talkback is an innovative way for visually-impaired users to use their smartphones correctly to type, make calls, or listen to music. University of Minnesota researchers have developed a" smartphone app that can detect upcoming work zones and provide routing instructions." The app uses Bluetooth beacons that communicate with the GPS receiver on a user’s smartphone. When a beacon is detected, the phone vibrates and provides an audio message (University of Minnesota). Even though this app is convenient for visually-impaired individuals to cross the street, it does require that signs and hazards in the way to attach bluetooth signals to, which many cities do not want to do because of the labor-intensive, high-cost.
2. The textbook gives the example of the OLPC project as one method used to lessen the digital divide. Post examples of other products and ideas that are emerging that could help lessen the global digital divide.
One product that could help lessen the digital divide is WEBAim. WEBAim is a web site featuring the basic concepts of accessibility and the specific techniques for helping Internet access to people with disabilities (Internet World Stats). Another good product is Ushahidi, which is a company that specialises in "developing free and open source software to enable users to share, interact and report on what's happening in their society, available for anyone with a mobile phone" (RisingVoices).
3. The EPA estimates that the e-waste generated by digital devices produces more than 2.5 million tons every year. Research and post "green" initiatives to promote sustainability and reduce the amount of e-waste.
One way we can reduce our e-waste is to buy Energy Star electronics. These products are designed to use less electricity and run more efficiently so you won't have to buy another one the year after. Another way is to donate unused electronics to charity. You can donate unused electronics to veterans, college students, families, etc so they can reuse them instead of you throwing them away. Also, take good care of your electronics. If you keep your laptop in a case and do not overcharge and overheat the battery, it will last longer and you won't have to keep buying new ones and throwing the old ones away to a trash dump.
References:
Internet World Stats, Digital Divide http://www.internetworldstats.com/links10.htm
RisingVoices, Bridging the Digital Divide http://rising.globalvoicesonline.org/blog/2014/01/17/bridging-the-digital-divide-mobile-and-social-media/
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