Tech news and views

Now more than ever, technology is changing the way we communicate, learn, work and access information. For blind and partially sighted people, the range of options out there can be overwhelming, making it difficult to choose the right solution. That’s why we are here to provide you with an impartial view of the latest technology so you know what is available and can make the right choices.

Check out our series of YouTube videos called ‘New Tech: hands on’, along with our other tech blogs and reviews.

New Tech: hands on

Our New Tech: hands on YouTube video series unpacks and reviews new technology. It highlights the pros, cons and interesting features for blind and partially sighted people. Each video shows a different product in action, so check them out to see what interests you!

Envision Glasses

The Envision smart glasses provide a range of intriguing features for blind and partially sighted people; from reading text as you walk around, to video calling capabilities – there’s a lot on offer. But we want to know how helpful this really is, so join us as we take the Envision Glasses for a spin at London Heathrow Airport!


Download the transcript of the video here

Google Pixel 7 Pro review

Google’s Pixel line-up of Android smartphones have quickly become a staple for having some of the easiest cameras to use in the smartphone market, all whilst offering the purest Google experience of any smartphone. With the Pixel 7 Pro, Google is aiming to take their experience and refine it into a more polished product which can fit more seamlessly into your daily life.

But we want to know if this is the Android phone for you, and how it stacks up for blind and partially sighted smartphone users. Join us as we go hands-on with the Pixel 7 Pro!


Download the transcript of the video here

iOS 16 Door Detection review

Baked right into the recently released iOS 16, the new Apple’s Door Detection feature uses your iPhone’s camera to identify doors in your vicinity and give you information about them.

How does this feature work in the hands of a blind/partially sighted person? What are the pros and cons of it and what could Apple think of improving? Peter Hayton from TPT, goes hands on with this feature to find out!


Download the transcript of the video here

OrCam Read review

The OrCam Read is designed to help make reading documents easier for blind and partially sighted people. Peter Hayton from TPT, goes hands on with the OrCam Read to find out what it can do. We give you an impartial look at the device, showing you both the good and the bad.

We also extend special thanks to Optelec UK, who kindly provided us with the OrCam Read for this video. If you would like to purchase an OrCam Read for yourself, check out their website.


Download the transcript of the video here

Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra review

Peter Hayton from TPT, unpacks the new Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra. Thanks to the S-Pen features found in the Galaxy S22 Ultra, this tablet is one of the most exciting devices to be launched in the last year for people with low vision. See the amazing accessibility features this new device offers!


Download the transcript of the video here

Galaxy S22 Ultra review

In this first video of our ‘New Tech: hands on’ series, Peter Hayton from TPT, unpacks the new Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra mobile phone. We show you the accessibility features this device offers and how they are interesting for blind and partially sighted people.


Download the transcript of the video here

Tech blogs and reviews

Our written reviews and other feature pieces take a deep-dive into a specific product or technology related topic. Explore these pages to learn more about how technology can make a real difference to the lives of blind and partially sighted people.

Indoor navigation: the promise of greater independence

Explore recent developments in indoor navigation technology and what could become possible over the next few years.

Find out more about 'Indoor navigation: the promise of greater independence'

Magnification software: An overview

Magnification software is widely used by partially sighted people at work and in education. Jordan Long, our virtual intern uses this technology and gives us an overview.

Find out more about 'Magnification software: An overview'

5th March 2020

How Braille Tech is shaping the future

Braille continues to be the tactile reading and writing system of choice for blind and partially sighted people all over the world.

Find out more about 'How Braille Tech is shaping the future'

Accessible technology: Google Lookout review

Google Lookout is a free smartphone app developed by Google for Android devices which can automatically read and scan text, recognise products and describe objects. Find out initial thoughts from the Technology team at TPT.

Find out more about 'Accessible technology: Google Lookout review'

Accessible technology: Mantis Q40 braille review

New for 2020, the Mantis Q40 is a 40-cell braille display from HumanWare equipped with a QWERTY keyboard. Find out what TPT's Technology teams initial thoughts are about it.

Find out more about 'Accessible technology: Mantis Q40 braille review'

Accessible technology for telling your story

The Technology team at Thomas Pocklington Trust gives an overview of the accessible apps and services available to support blind and partially sighted writers.

Find out more about 'Accessible technology for telling your story'

11th March 2020

There’s a story for everyone

As part of national storytelling week, Robert from Vital Tech tells the story of how storytelling has become accessible to blind and partially sighted people.

Find out more about 'There’s a story for everyone'

Student Support Service

Learn all about our Student Support Service, and how it can support blind and partially sighted students to get the most out of their education.

Find out more about 'Student Support Service'

Employment and Internships

Looking to start or progress in your career? Or are you a business looking to improve the diversity of your workforce? Take a look at our candidate resources and employer champions.

Find out more about 'Employment and Internships'
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