A few years ago, the idea of using a smartphone to remotely control the temperature of a home for someone who is blind or visually impaired might have seemed impossible.
However, with the widespread use of smartphones and the availability of over half a million apps, solutions such as this are now readily available. Navigation apps using GPS, apps for magnification and barcode reading, and many other accessible apps are now commonplace.
Several thermostats on the market are specifically designed for people who are blind or visually impaired. These include the Kelvin Voice Interactive Talking Thermostat, The Round Easy-To-See Thermostat, and the VIP3000 Talking Thermostat. One company, Nest, based in Palo Alto, California, has developed a self-learning thermostat called the Nest Thermostat.
This thermostat can be controlled through an app that can be downloaded on iOS devices such as iPhones, iPod Touches, iPads, and Android devices. The Nest Thermostat was created by two former Apple employees, which may account for its user-friendly design that combines advanced technology with a simple and intuitive interface.
How to Operate a Nest Thermostat
The Nest Learning Thermostat, also known as simply the Nest Thermostat, is a smart device designed to help you maintain the ideal temperature in your home. After installation, you can easily navigate the thermostat’s features by rotating the ring and selecting options by clicking the device.
The Nest Thermostat allows you to schedule varying temperatures throughout the day and adjust various settings. Additionally, you can control the thermostat remotely via the accompanying smartphone app.
Step 1:
To adjust the temperature on your thermostat, rotate the ring located around the thermostat. The current temperature will be displayed in the center of the circular screen. To lower the temperature, rotate the ring to the left with your fingertips.
To increase the temperature, rotate the ring to the right. You can also switch between heating and cooling modes by accessing the control menu and selecting the appropriate selection. Sometimes there can be a cooling problem in your Nest Thermostat, you need to troubleshoot or contact their support to resolve this issue.
Step2:
Press the thermostat button to access the basic control menu on your thermostat. It is important to hold the thermostat by the edges to avoid smudging the screen. Once you press the button, the menu will appear where you can switch between heating and cooling, schedule temperatures, and change settings. If you accidentally open the menu and do not need to make changes, press the button again without selecting any function to exit the menu.
Step3:
To navigate the basic control menu, rotate the ring to select different options. You can switch between icons by rotating the ring to the left or right. The calendar icon is used for scheduling temperatures, the gear icon is used for changing settings, and the icon with several little squiggly lines is used for switching between heating and cooling. Additionally, there is a stopwatch icon that displays the temperature history.
Step 4:
To access options from the menu, press the ring in once more. Once a control function is selected, push the ring in again to enter that function. To adjust settings for that function, use the ring as a dial. For instance, when you select the scheduling feature, use the ring to set temperatures at different times. If you choose the settings icon, use the ring to navigate between the different settings and make adjustments.
Step 5:
To exit the Quick View menu, highlight the back arrow and press the thermostat. Rotate the ring until the back arrow is selected, then press the thermostat again to return to the home temperature screen.
Artificial Intelligence of The Nest Thermostat
The Nest Thermostat has advanced sensors that detect temperature, humidity, light, and movement within the house. These sensors and the adjustments you make to the temperature enable the Nest Thermostat to learn and anticipate your daily and weekly habits with precision.
You can always manually adjust the temperature on the unit or through the iOS app, bypassing the Nest Thermostat’s predictions. Additionally, you can access and make changes to your Nest account through a computer and the Internet, though it may not be fully accessible with a screen reader.
The company presents a convincing case that the energy savings you can achieve with the Nest Thermostat will ultimately make up for the cost of the device. This is particularly true if you tend to leave your thermostat settings unchanged due to the inconvenience or frustration of constantly adjusting them.
Conclusion
The Nest Thermostat is designed with accessibility in mind for those who are visually impaired or blind. Its self-learning feature adjusts to your personal habits and reduces the need for frequent adjustments. The temperature setting is displayed in the large, high-contrast font on both the thermostat and the app, making it easy for those with low vision to read.
The Nest Mobile app can also be accessed using VoiceOver and Zoom with iOS devices, allowing for more flexibility in positioning the device at an optimal focal point. The only limitations are a few incorrectly labeled controls and graphically based features in advanced settings.
