Maestro is the first mainstream handheld PC for the blind and visually impaired. It is built on the HP iPAQ 4150 platform. Maestro features text-to-speech technology and a tactile keyboard membrane over its touch screen so the visually impaired can use essential information-access and communication applications without using a stylus.

"Our objective was to have a low-cost, highly portable mobile-computing solution available to a larger number of blind and visually impaired individuals," said Gilles Pepin, president of VisuAide. "HP has demonstrated leadership in making technology accessible, and has provided strong support to VisuAide as we create cutting-edge assistive technology for the visually impaired using the HP iPAQ Pocket PC."

Maestro takes advantage of wireless communication networks such as Bluetooth to yield a modular system that can be operated with or without an external keyboard (Braille or standard), depending on user preference and the task at hand. For example, Maestro allows Braille input using either the tactile keyboard on the unit for brief notes, or an external Braille keyboard for extensive note taking.

With its open environment, the system readily integrates third-party or other VisuAide applications, such as Trekker, a GPS orientation system, and Victor Reader, a digital talking-book player. (These are all VisuAide products)

Maestro will begin shipping in September 2004