Tech Edge: Smart Home Technology
By Williams, John M.; Action Magazine,Publication Date: March 12, 2007
Review of LifePortal 4000, a device enabling people with disabilities to control their environment using mobile communications and personal computing. The wireless personal communicator is midsized and lightweight and features both finger-touch and digitizer pen touch screens. With multiple integrated wireless technologies, the LifePortal 4000 has Bluetooth, broadband Internet, local area network (LAN), and global positioning systems (GPS). It can be adapted for any wireless capability for usage indoors, outdoors, or in a moving vehicle. The device can be used to turn on lights and control appliances such as televisions, VCRs, and telephones. Individuals unable to use a regular keyboard can e-mail with attachments using a single finger, eye movement, or any single switch. For users with visual impairments, male or female voices will read mail and Web pages. With a price tag of 15,000 to 25,000 dollars, the LifePortal 4000 may be too costly for most consumers, although the price includes the hardware, software, a personal evaluation matched with the needed technology, training, installation, and six months of phone support.
Published by: United Spinal Association (Website:http://www.unitedspinal.org)
Link to text: http://www.unitedspinal.org/publications/action/2007/03/12/tech-edge-smart-home-technology/
