BWBF - Sonata

The inital playlist consists of just four titles being radio stations and podcasts, publications, news programmes and finally bookmarks. Once selected the next menu is presented and so on. Once a user gets used to their playlist they can use the two yellow buttons on the unit to move up and down through the lists to locate their choice.

Although the Sonata was designed with the visually impaired in mind it can be used by anyone and is especially good for anyone who may have problems with dexterity.

One of the mottos of British Wireless for the Blind Fund is 'Keeping blind people in touch with the World', and with the launch of the Sonata this is just what we will be doing. The Internet is now part of everyday life and the Sonata gives a new freedom to blind and partially sighted people using the latest technology, but without any of the complications usually associated with this kind of service.

To quote one of our customers who wrote:

"After many years of sight loss I was left in a dim grey mist, no television, no craft work and with age and illness not much mobility, just a lot of time to fill. I was sure something would come along and it did. The Sonata is small, light but strong with five buttons and a large dial for very easy use, and every move is spoken in clear, bright voices. The very best of all for me is the access to all the newspapers and magazines.

I can truly say that Sonata has opened up a whole new programme to my life".

In total the Sonata can access any radio station available on the Internet (roughly 9,000), podcasts, local talking newspapers, National Talking Newspapers and Magazines, Audio books, audio catalogues and specialist news programmes for the visually impaired. In fact it is fair to say that if there is audio content on the Web, which is not password protected and is freely accessible, then the Sonata should be able to stream that content.

The dial has a number of functions, the primary function being volume control. Pressing down on the same dial will mute a stream such as radio and will pause a stream such as audio books. While a book is paused turning the dial allows the listener to fast forward or backward through the publication. For an audio book if the same dial is held down for more than 5 seconds it creates a bookmark, which is accessed through the inital playlist.

All instructions and playlists are announced audibly using a combination of human and synthetic voice in a clear and concise manner. By using the single OK button the user can access their choice from the playlist.

The Sonata is on Special Offer for a limited period only.
You can buy Sonata online through Paypal:

Special Price: £351.33
One-off Activation Charge: £52.87
Postage/Packing: INCLUDED
Total: £404.20
Please note that to use Sonata there is also an annual charge of £25 + VAT payable annually in November.
For the first year, this is covered by the activation charge.

Prices above include VAT.
If, however, you are registered blind or partially sighted you are entitled to VAT exemption on this product. We are also able to offer 12 month interest free payments for all buyers.
Please contact us for more details on VAT free buying and/or interest free credit terms.

THE SONATA IS ON SPECIAL OFFER PRICE FOR A LIMITED PERIOD ONLY

British Wireless for the Blind Fund is proud to announce its totally new and unique Internet Radio the Sonata.

The Sonata Internet Audio Player does exactly what it says, it plays or streams audio from the Internet. The difference with this unique piece of equipment is that it does so without the need of a computer. Its uniqueness is further displayed in that it has been specially designed for people who are visually impaired and with only five buttons and a dial, simplicity of use has been the primary target.