Perfect Companions to Portable Devices
(St. Petersburg, Florida – May 21, 2012) – Freedom Scientific, the world leader in assistive technology for those that are low vision or blind, today announced the release of the new Focus 40 Blue and Focus 14 Blue, the next generation of Focus Braille displays.
The new Focus 40 Blue is almost 40 per cent smaller and lighter than the previous model but packs even bigger features, including a highly refined Braille keyboard design.
“We’ve taken everything Focus 40 Blue users love and included them in a new Braille display that’s even smaller and more robust. This is more than just a Braille display,” says Jonathan Mosen, Freedom Scientific’s Vice President of Blindness Hardware Product Management. “It’s a complete Braille interface device. We’ve designed the keyboard to be extremely comfortable to use for long periods, while Brailling rapidly and accurately. The 40 cells of Braille let you get serious work done with your PC, yet the sleek size and Bluetooth capability make it great for connecting to a wide range of mobile devices, so you can send and receive text messages and e-mails from your smartphone while on the go.”
The new, pocket-sized Focus 14 Blue is a tiny yet powerful 14-cell refreshable Braille display with a full 8-key Braille keyboard and all the features of the Focus 40 Blue.
“Customers have been asking us to produce a Braille display that can be carried around easily, and act as a keyboard for their touchscreen mobile devices,” says Mosen. “The Focus 14 Blue makes it easy to read and respond to text messages, deal with e-mail, and use applications silently and efficiently. It features the same comfortable keyboard as the new Focus 40 Blue and can be used in its case while slung from your neck – the perfect smartphone companion.”
Both displays feature Bluetooth® and USB connectivity and are fully compatible with JAWS BrailleIn™ providing for Contracted Braille input into many Windows applications.
Pricing and Availability
The new Focus 40 Blue is priced at $2,795 and will begin shipping in June 2012. The Focus 14 Blue is only $1,295 and will ship in July 2012. For complete specifications, contact Freedom Scientific at 800-444-4443 or 727-803-8000.
About Freedom Scientific
Freedom Scientific is the leading worldwide provider of assistive technology products for those with vision impairments. The Company sells its products worldwide and has offices in Florida and Switzerland. The Company’s products have been translated into 24 languages and are available in 55 countries. Freedom also has a line of software products for those with learning disabilities.
Freedom Scientific®, JAWS®, and JAWS BrailleIn™ are either trademarks or registered trademarks in the United States and/or other countries. The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.