California Companies Unveil Video Phone for People Who Are Hard of Hearing

April 2, 2013 udcom

Rocklin’s Purple Communications, Inc. and Tely Labs of Menlo Park have created a smart videophone, SmartVP, which features HD and smart apps for people who are hard of hearing. Users are able to access applications on the phone during calls, and also find similar convenience with apps like Captionfish, Yellow Pages, Weather, and more. The product hit the markets in early April of 2013.

Purple’s goal is to provide high quality video relay service for customers is based on a five screen strategy (PC, laptop, tablet, smartphone, TV). The company currently provides video relay service via desktop, laptop, and smartphone.

Universal Design (UD) is an approach to design that increases the potential for developing a better quality of life for a wide range of individuals. It is a design process that enables and empowers a diverse population by improving human performance, health and wellness, and social participation (Steinfeld and Maisel, 2012). It creates products, systems, and environments to be as usable as possible by as many people as possible regardless of age, ability or situation.