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Probably the coolest Apple Watch review you’re ever going to read

The Apple Watch may just be a cool toy to most of us, but for Molly Watt – who is both near-blind and deaf – it has made a huge difference to her life. For example, feeling safe and comfortable in environments where she cannot see at all.

I am fortunate to have a few friends who also have the Apple Watch and together have devised ways of communicating in ‘Code’ when out, particularly when out at night and in dark situations when I am completely blind […]

I can get message to friend I’m uncomfortable or I need assistance or help of some kind

The Maps app, with its ability to signal directions via taps on the wrist, has also greatly increased her independence.

So far for me the most useful App on the Apple Watch is Maps – on my iPhone I can plan my journey from one destination to another, for me it will be on foot with Unis my guidedog.

This is where Haptics really come into its own – I can be directed without hearing or sight, but by a series of taps via the watch onto my wrist

Inspiring stuff.

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Comments

  1. As always. Apple is awesome and who doesn’t see that is just uninformed and ignorant.

  2. dksmidtx - 9 years ago

    Ben – thanks. Sometimes that’s the best compliment a person can give for linking to such an inspiring post.

  3. Jane Watt - 9 years ago

    Hi, thank you so much for posting this with the title “Probably the coolest Apple Watch review you’re ever going to read” Molly is my daughter and she will be very proud when I show her this.

  4. philboogie - 9 years ago

    Thanks for this Ben. I’d love to see a pic of Unis.

  5. incredibilistic - 9 years ago

    What an amazing story and yet another feather in Apple’s cap when it comes to features that assist the visually and hearing impaired.

  6. PatJohn Tomasini - 9 years ago

    The review is nice and very helpful.
    Not to beat up the review, but, is there something that the users cannot do with the iPhone in the dark? There are carrying cases for special needs, sport, work-related, shock-proof casings, etc.

    And then, there is the price. In this particular case / review, I can see the price does not matter, it is just a perfect piece of technology on your wrist.
    Enjoy it.

    :)

    JohnE

  7. janewattuk - 9 years ago

    PatJohn there are quite a few reasons the iPhone cannot do what the applewatch can.
    Firstly, before the applewatch Molly would hold the watch, to feel the vibration of a text message, which would be missed if left in her backpack. The phone very visible and easily snatched as she’d not see or hear somebody coming up to her.
    When working a Guidedog both hands can be needed in certain situations.
    Molly is very prone to tripping, slipping and falling over and dropping, breaking or losing the phone, case or no case.
    The applewatch is securely fixed on her arm, iPhone securely in her backpack, she feels the vibrations on her wrist & with her tiny window of vision can then know to look to her wrist.
    For her it is a fabulous piece of technology and hopefully will get better and better.

  8. Kym Primrose - 9 years ago

    I am researching inclusive design on mobile phones and I work with a number of people who have, or have interest in, varying ‘accessible’ needs. They will be very keen to hear that the Apple Watch can offer such potential to those that are not considered “core audience”. Would love to know if Molly finds any of it’s other features beneficial or if there is anything she would like it to be able to do!

    • janewattuk - 9 years ago

      Molly has said she will blog again about the applewatch but at the moment there is a lot of interest in her as a result of the blog so wil have to wait and see I guess..

Author

Avatar for Ben Lovejoy Ben Lovejoy

Ben Lovejoy is a British technology writer and EU Editor for 9to5Mac. He’s known for his op-eds and diary pieces, exploring his experience of Apple products over time, for a more rounded review. He also writes fiction, with two technothriller novels, a couple of SF shorts and a rom-com!


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