Skip to main content
  • Accessibility
  • Headlines
  • Coronavirus-News
  • Get-Hooked
  • Technology
  • Education
  • Employment
  • Parasports
  • Ask Bhavna
  • NHBrandView
  • Independent Living
  • Lifestyle
  • NH Videos
×
Newz Hook – Changing Attitudes towards Disability Logo
  • Stories
  • Videos
  • Inclusive
  • NH Voice
  • Login
COVID-19 Notification by Government in Accessible Format

Accessibility Tools

Text Size:

Contrast Scheme:

  • C
  • C

Reset

  • Home
  • Technology
  • New web-based remote promises to change TV viewing for people with disabilities

New web-based remote promises to change TV viewing for people with disabilities

Technology June 24, 2019
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)
0

American company Comcast has launched a new web-based remote that will make TV viewing a hassle-free experience for people with mobility related issues. The remote can be fitted onto tablets and computers and functions with the user’s eye movements.

For non-disabled people, changing TV channels is a breeze. All you need to do is pick up the remote and keep surfing until you find a channel you like.

However, for people with certain types of disabilities, especially those related to mobility, it’s not quite that easy. Comcast, an American company, is out to change that with a web-based TV remote that can be fitted onto tablets and computers.

With this remote, users can change channels, record shows, and even search for shows using their eyes.

It’s not clear when this remote will be launched in India but many people with disabilities are interested in knowing more about it, especially the cost factor.

Ahmedabad-based law student Maitreya Shah, who is a visually impaired person, says the remote would be useful for everyone, disabled or not.

Usually when I come across conversations about assistive technologies, I have only heard people talk about talking TV and stuff like that. Something like an eye-controlled device to change channels is quite unheard of. People with restricted functioning, cerebral palsy, or those who are paralysed are definitely going to benefit from this. So Comcast has launched something truly inclusive. Even elderly people can use this effectively. – Maitreya Shah, Disability Rights Activist

Users can pair the Comcast device with their set-top boxes. Then, they have to gaze at a button which will send commands to their TV sets. There’s another option available as well which is for users to type out voice commands depending on their choices.

The remote has been tested among some users in the United States and has received a positive feedback.

Priya Bhargava, who is a wheelchair user, is happy to see mainstream brands come up with products that are inclusive and cater to the needs of people with disabilities.

“I always appreciate efforts taken for people with disabilities, says Priya, who is a beauty pageant winner and motivational speaker. Companies must work towards creating or designing cheaper equipment and technology that can be used by disabled people in their daily lives of disabled people. Like an electric light and or fan switch that can be switched on or off with a blink or voice. Something like that could benefit thousands of people with disabilities.

An eye-controlled remote may appear to serve a small group of customers but more accessibility tech solutions like these will hopefully drive more brands to think about inclusive design.

ALSO READ: Chatbot Mera Mitra aims to be the personal companion for all things to do with disability in India

Watch in Sign Language

0

Support us to make NewzHook Sustainable – Make a Contribution Today

We need your continued support to enable us work towards Changing Attitudes towards Disability. Help us in our attempt to share the voices of people with disabilities that enable them to participate in the society on an equal footing!

Contribute to Newz Hook

NH Videos

Multiple Sclerosis does not affect Anjali's love for Cooking

Read more on Newz Hook

  • Accessibility
    Top 10 Accessible Brands & Brand Campaigns Globally
  • Accessibility,Independent Living
    Affordable and Independent Mobility for Persons with Disabilities still a distant hope in India (series 1 of 3)
  • Employment,Independent Living
    My journey from a hearing impaired individual to a Social Changemaker
  • Get-hooked
    #GlaucomaAwarenessMonth – Early detection & treatment is critical to prevent permanent vision loss
  • Accessibility
    Prof Stephen Hawking is the inspiration for this budding astrophysicist with CP

Contribue to Newz Hook. Support us to make NewzHook Sustainable – Make a Contribution Today.

Newsletter

 Subscribe to our Newsletter

Want to feature your inspiring story or share an event with the disabled community? Write to:

editor@newzhook.com

Related News

Logos of the 10 brands featured in the article

Accessibility

Top 10 Accessible Brands & Brand Campaigns Globally

Woman getting her eyes tested

Get-hooked

#GlaucomaAwarenessMonth – Early detection & treatment is critical to prevent permanent vision loss

Tuhin Dey in a wheelchair with his mother

Accessibility

Prof Stephen Hawking is the inspiration for this budding astrophysicist with CP

Employment

My journey from a hearing impaired individual to a Social Changemaker

Newz Hook - Accessible News

Download App Now!

Videos

View More

Parasports

“Nothing comes easy, you have to work for it” - My Take by Somjeet Singh, Captain, India Wheelchair Cricket Team

Get-hooked

Samadhan Goyam is changing the lives of children in meaningful ways

Get-hooked

#RareDiseases - Coping with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy powers Karan's passion to help others

Get-hooked

Understanding Inborn Errors of Metabolism

Newz Hook Logo

About Newz Hook

Newz Hook is a media site focusing on Changing Attitudes towards Disability globally. We highlight stories that share insights into the lives of people with disabilities, offer solutions and create collaborations. Our focus is to have Inclusion Champions from across the globe who share knowledge about disability, inclusion & accessibility.

Lets come together to change attitudes towards disability!

Newz Hook is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Follow us on:

Related Links

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Partner with Newz Hook
  • Embed Newz Hook Timeline
  • Affiliate disclosure
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Contribute to Newz Hook

Our Awards

Zero Project Award Winner 2018
Back To Top
© 2019 All Right Reserved. Inclusive News India Private Limited.

Ask Bhavna

All fields are mandatory unless specified as optional.