Top Accessibility Products Unveiled at CES 2024: A Closer Look at Digital Innovations.

Another year, another Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2024!

Hosted in Las Vegas, 2024 did not disappoint, showcasing cutting-edge gadgets and a myriad of new accessible tech.

We at CFA Australia have listed some of the standout accessibility products that caught our attention at CES 2024, offering not only clever solutions but also thoughtful design.

1. GyroGlove: One standout product that garnered attention was GyroGlove, a hand-stabilizing glove designed to assist individuals with hand tremors. Utilizing gyroscopic force, the glove helps minimise shakes, providing stability for everyday tasks. Priced at $5,899, it may seem steep, but the potential for coverage by insurance providers offers hope for making this solution more accessible to those in need.
2. MouthPad: Taking an unconventional approach, the MouthPad offers a tongue-operated controller for phones, tablets, and laptops. This unique device, resembling a retainer with a touchpad, provides precise control for individuals with mobility disability. Made with medical-grade materials, the MouthPad is both innovative and safe, offering an early access package with setup and calibration assistance.
3. OrCam Hear: Building on its success in 2022, assistive tech company OrCam introduced the OrCam Hear system, tailored for individuals who are Deaf or hard of hearing. This three-part package includes earbuds, a dongle for the phone, and an app. The system filters background noise, isolating specific speakers in multi-party conversations, offering a tailored hearing experience.
4. Audio Radar: For gamers who are Deaf or hard of hearing, Audio Radar turns sound signals into visual cues. Plugging into gaming consoles, this device converts audio output into RGB lights surrounding the screen. CES 2024 marked the official launch of Audio Radar, accompanied by an SDK for game developers to create custom visual cues, with Logitech providing support for product development.
5. Transcribe Glass: A heads-up display that attaches to any frames. Connected to a phone, it transcribes spoken words onto a transparent display, offering adjustable font sizes, scrolling speeds, and language models. Priced at $199 and set for launch by the end of the year, Transcribe Glass aims to provide a lightweight and adjustable solution for real-time transcriptions.
6. Samsung’s Subtitle Accessibility Features: Samsung highlighted accessibility features in its Neo QLED, including a sign language feature controlled with gestures for those who are Deaf or hard of hearing. Additionally, an Audio Subtitle feature turns text subtitles into spoken words in real-time for those who are blind or with low vision, showcasing mainstream appeal and potential widespread availability.

CES 2024 has undoubtedly been amazing, not just for the showcased products but for the profound sense of possibility it imparts. From frame attachments to a touchpad in a mouth, it leaves us with the question of, have we finally arrived in the future?

For more information, check out the accessibility page on the CES website.