The Orange Daytona, that Amóvil was able to review thanks to the loan by Orange, is a Smartphone that offers several cutting-edge features at a very reasonable price. Though inaccessible to the blind, this device, that Amovil was able to review thanks to the Vodafone Spain Foundation, offers several accessibility features to accommodate the needs of persons with hearing disabilities and mild dexterity difficulties.

This Smartphone is elegant, lightweight (150 grams) and housed in plastic casing that measures 134.4 x 67.2 x 9.9 mm. It also sports a 4.5-inch IPS LCD capacitive multitouch screen that despite the low resolution (400x854 pixels) shows content with enough sharpness and contrast.

Running on Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean), the phone includes GPS, NFC, Bluetooth and WiFi connection capabilities, among others. In addition, it comes with a front facing camera that makes videos, and 5 MP a rear camera complete with autofocus and LED flash.

Accessibility review

Vision

Despite running on Jelly Bean 4.1 which includes an improved version of TalkBack, Android’s built-in screen reader, the Daytona is inaccessible to blind users. While the screen reader does talk these users through most of the available content and menus, the manufacturer has retrofitted the OS with a custom-made user interface that is incompatible with TalkBack. Blind users can only get access to the content available in Android’s original interface.

Although the device does not include a screen magnifier, some partially blind users may be able to use it with some comfort. As it happens with most Android devices, it offers an option to customize the screen backlight brightness as well as the font style and size. However, color blind users may have a limited experience as this handset does not include color inversion features.

Hearing

Information on the device’s hearing aid compatibility is not readily available to users. However, Amóvil has been able to attest that it is compatible with some hearing aids both in microphone and T-coil modes. In addition, those who wear Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids or cochlear implants will be able to connect to the device through this technology. These users will also be able to send text messages or use any chat apps available for Android devices. Also, deaf users who prefer communicating in sign language will be able to make video calls using applications such as Skype or Google Hangouts.

Dexterity

Some features included in this Smartphone such as the hands-free feature and the option to link frequent contacts to the home screen can help users with mild dexterity difficulties interact with it. However, those with severe dexterity issues may have a limited experience. The handset does not offer options to control the side buttons from the display nor to answer an incoming call without touching the screen. Nevertheless, there are two applications compatible with Android devices that may enable them to use this device. These are TECLA, a set of tools that provide access to mobile devices to persons with dexterity disabilities, and Sherpa a personal assistant that works similarly to SIRI. Both applications are available for downloading at no cost from Google Play.

Comprehension

The Orange Daytona includes standardized icons and symbols that may help users with certain limited comprehension skills or learning disabilities. The phone also allows customizing the home screen in order to simplify navigating through the menus available.

For more details about the accessibility features available in this device, please consult Amóvil's full accessibility report.