I received this very sleek smart watch from Dot Incorporation. Dubbed the Dot Watch, it is like an Apple Watch for the visually impaired. It has a clean, white face and magnetic metal band. When you press the upper SELECT button, dots automatically raise on the otherwise smooth face to denote the time in Braille. Pressing the HOME button lowers the dots and returns the face to its smooth default position. The Dot Watch can be paired with the iPhone so that when you receive text messages, the watch will vibrate on your wrist, and you can read your messages in Braille as they scroll across the face. No more disturbing the peace with your loud VoiceOver screen reader; now you can be discreet in checking the time and phone messages during, say, a work meeting.

The watch charges quickly on a magnetic dock using a USB plug, and by turning the crown upward, you can determine how much battery life remains as indicated by the number of dots and Braille cells that appear. And although the wristband experience is often overlooked, I immediately took to the easy-to-use magnetic metal band on the Dot Watch: the fact that it is fully adjustable and magnetic, I finally have a watch that fits snuggly around my small wrist. The Dot Watch is a cool new gadget for the blind and low vision community. I am thrilled with all the inclusive technology that’s been coming out lately. It’s a small but noteworthy step towards a more inclusive society. 

Learn more about the Dot Watch on their website, and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

Or check out the Dot Watch on Amazon when you’re ready to get one of your own.