British Gas Teams with RNIB to Make Hive Accessible to the Blind

  • Wednesday, January 21st, 2015
  • Author: Tim Maytom
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Hive Stills House_63 EditsBritish Gas has teamed with the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) in order to make the Android app for its Hive Active Hearing system accessible for people with impaired sight, making it the first app to receive the RNIBs App Accreditation.

The app has been updated to enable blind and partially sighted users to control it using the phones voice control features to adjust their heating and hot water systems.

“Were very excited to announce that the Hive Active Heating app has received our app accreditation and are pleased that customers with sight loss can benefit from this partnership,” said Neil Heslop, managing director of RNIB Solutions. “All too often, blind and partially sighted people struggle to access heating control systems. By combining the power of a modern smartphone with a well-designed accessible app, businesses can easily create a cost effective solution that works for all customers, including those with sight loss.”

“Were delighted to have worked with RNIB to ensure our Hive Active Heating app is easy for blind and partially sighted people to use,” said Kass Hussain, managing director of British Gas Connected Homes. “At British Gas, were committed to helping everyone understand and manage their energy use, in a way that works for them, and blind and partially sighted people are part of that commitment.”