TAIPEI, Taiwan -- Building on existing smartphone apps designed to assist the visually impaired, Chunghwa Telecom (CHT) and Tamkung University (TKU) recently showcased an expanded app during the 2013 APEC Digital Opportunity Center (ADOC) Workshop in Taipei.

The program, called the “Personal Digital Assistant App for Blind and Gray Hair,” was launched on the sidelines of the workshop. ADOC Convener Stan Shi, Deputy Economic Affairs Minister Tu Tzu-chun, TKU Vice President Po-yuan Kao and CHT Laboratory President Hung Feng-yue were on handle at the app's unveiling.

The app for blind and grey hair features functions of “four clouds”, which allow platform users to stream videos, use voice control, do online-reading and access living information via Internet.

CHT said that the platform can assist the visually impaired and elderly users inflicted with amblyopia in differentiating the denomination of a bank note as well as sending safety confirmations and making emergency calls.

Hoping to reduce the digital divide, Chunghwa Telecommunication Laboratory and Tamkung University's Center of Resources for the Blind first worked together last June to develop an app that helps visually impaired people use smartphones more easily.