BlindShell Classic 2 - The Most Accessible Phone Just Got Better!

This is the brand new BlindShell Classic 2! It's the updated versing of the internationally popular BlindShell Classic! This is a fully accessible phone for the blind and visually impaired community. The phone has a full screen reader (100% of the phone is read out loud to you) and a large print, high contrast, screen that is fully customizable. The Classic 2 adds in a ton of new apps and features making this great phone even better!
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[@theblindlife]

Links are now in the description for where to buy the BlindShell Classic 2 in the US!

[@JuanAlcazar]

I like how there have been improvements across the board. I think this is a really good alternative for those who may be intimidated by using a smart phone.

[@nathansmith7938]

This seems like an awesome phone. Espically for those who are totally blind. I hope in the future they won't be liminted to just T-mobile.

[@moniqueviellette1379]

This was very helpful information to share with my son if this will be better for him than his iPhone. He just doesn't want to lose / change his current cell no. Thank you.

[@ThomasGrillo]

Very glad to hear about this phone. I'm legally blind, and diabetic, so, it's good to know there's a ready backup plan available, if I do loose the rest of my vision. I only hope their plans are reasonable. Heading to the Blindshell site to check them out. Thanks for sharing this.

[@theblindlife]

Well, blind shell only sells the phone. You would just take it to T-Mobile and get a plan there. You do need a data plan but you could definitely get the smallest one they have and still be fine.

[@driza97]

cool video sam. may have to look into this shell phone. yep!

[@toniedudley6593]

Great video x Thankyou for sharing

[@anodysseyofsteven1985]

Hey Sam! This phone is unbelievable! Not sure if my girlfriend but enjoy all the sounds it makes like when the flashlight is on. But it really is a great phone. I like that they added the finder clip. It’s similar to the Apple tags to be able to find missing items.

[@bulaggerph5723]

The phone is so nice! Its perfect for visualy impair like me that kind of phone. I hope some day i can order here in my country phillippines. But for now cant afford it. Beucouse of this pandemic! Thank you sir sam for sharing☺️ #theblindlike #blindshellclassic2

[@tomvanbaren7747]

Impressive phone for the vision impaired or for that matter some seniors that are intimated by regular smart phones. Sam, thanks for bring these devices to the attention of our community.

[@lesflower1426]

thank you Sam!

[@VisionForwardTechConnect]

Great video Sam! The original Blindshell in the end had way too many QC issues for my liking, but I've been able to play with this one for a good amount of time and so far it seems like a huge improvement.

[@theblindlife]

Yes, agreed

[@joshuahendrickson4854]

Great video. However, I'll stick with my iPhone 8. I can just do so much with my iPhone that I could never do with my old flip phone. I'm glad the blindshell had a major upgrade. If I didn't have my iPhone, and they went with other carriers then T-MOBILE, I'd be interested for sure. Thanks again for a very thorough video.

[@keriedoyle8471]

as someone who has been total from birth, and doesn't struggle with smartphones, I think even this would be a viable option for me. I like the idea of the buttons, and something small. Also the fact it has all the social media apps, I use, is a definite plus! does it have google pay? Also, can you use different tts's? Great review

[@EricEdwards-bv6ks]

Love you denostratiion.

[@driza97]

can we use the cash ap, pay pal ap, alexa ap, and zoom ap on this phone? thanks

[@bluenoser1567]

Great video Sam! An impressive phone but I am curious if there is an enlarged virtual keyboard or do you have to scroll through like a flip phone for text. I was also wondering about the statement you made saying for contrast that the red phone would be better. I am sighted but am quickly loosing my ability to see contrast without bright light. I wrote before about where I work the order forms are blue paper with black text so to see clearly without my glasses I have to go outside in the light to read. Perhaps you could or already have do a video about color contrast. Love your channel ... Cheers

[@christopherlent7164]

The voice dictation option is much quicker than the number keypad. See a demo in WhatApp on the phone kzbin.info/www/bejne/qZuvnaOEqrOeaNk

[@driza97]

you can text with the old school t9 typing, or you can voice dictate the text also. yep.

[@New-vr4ms]

Thank you so much for all your reviews! You have helped me tremendously in selecting the best tools to aid my mother’s fading vision. Does the BlindShell 2 have a front facing camera? It would be a really nice feature to add if it’s not available especially that now with WhatsApp video calling I could actually see my Mom when I call her?! Again thank you for all your input and God Bless 🙏🏼

[@driza97]

doesn't have a front facing camera.

[@driza97]

doesn't have a front facing camera.

[@deronsworld5384]

What do you think about the iPhone 13 Pro Max? are you going to do a review on it?

[@rosannahostetler3561]

what service do you use on the blindshell classic 2?

[@MadSquirrely]

Thank you for the video. My uncle just got this phone, it is so far the best phone for him. He is blind and unfortunately he doesn’t have hands so it’s hard for him to use other phones. I am trying to figure out own to disable the voice over the messages received. He doesn’t want the voice to read the messages out loud, but he will have someone read them to him. Is there an option to remove the voice just for that? I am having a hard time figuring out. Thank you

[@markpelter3078]

Am I correct that my SIMMS cards and SD card didn't come with my Blindshell 2. Where can I get them?

[@drumsbymarkharrison]

Hi was wondering if when on or off a phone call, does it announce who or the number that is calling? TIA dig your channel

[@theblindlife]

Yes, phone had 100% screen reader. Check out the other video mentioned to learn about all the vasic functiond.

[@lindasherman8248]

Excellent phone for my senior mum who is blind in a nursinghome

[@theblindlife]

Yes, it’s a great option for many seniors!

[@MsAussie83]

I wonder if this phone has things like "Airplane Mode". Also, I wonder if this phone has things like the ability to read the screen of your computer, for example, if you want to know when it's OK to "Press any key to boot from CD or DVD".

[@datguitar361]

Hello Sam. You never mention storage capacity for the phone, or maybe all blindshell phones have same storage capacity? Thanks for the video.

[@driza97]

it has 16 g b of internal storage, and you can install up to an 128 g b micro s d card for extra storage. yep!

[@garychap8384]

Can anyone help? Using the Application for NFC "add tag" ... doesn't see any of the three Blindshell NFC tags. Used the left action button and made sure WiFi and Bluetooth are on... but there is no NFC option. I've rubbed each of the tags all around the back/sides/top of the phone while the "approach the tag to the back of your phone" message is displayed ... nothing : ( Any ideas? Is there something I need to turn on? Have tried: - system update - settings (found nothing relevant) - left action button menu (nothing relevant) Kinda stuck : (((((

[@theblindlife]

I’m not sure, I didn’t have any issues with it. I would definitely recommend reaching out to wherever you purchased the phone from, or sending them an email directly [e-mail].

[@jenniferrodd3541]

I got my Blindshell Classic 2 and I have a question. I watched the video you did about updating the BlindShell Classic by going to settings and to blindShell update. How is it done with the BlindShell Classic 2? There is no BlindShell update option in settings. My guess would be that any updates made to the phone would be found in the app catelogue and downloaded from there.

[@christopherlent7164]

From page 42 www.blindshell.com/manual/download.php?file=manual_newage_en.pdf BlindShell update The BlindShell update menu item allows updating the phone’s software. The updates bring new features, enhance current features, and fix bugs. A new update is announced via notification. To manually check for updates, select the Check for update menu item. If an update is available, select Download update and then Install update. To install an update, an internet connection via WiFi is required. Important notice: • The update process takes several minutes. You will be informed about the progress of the update. During the update, the phone speaks in a robotic voice. • Do not turn off your phone or do other actions with your phone during the update process. Doing so might result in damaging the phone’s software, making it necessary to send the phone for repair.

[@driza97]

you go into settings, then there should be something called system update, nere the bottom, that you can enter on to update the phone. yep.

[@tizmehere492]

Can you use BARD on this phone?

[@davidward7743]

Hey Sam great job! Dave here from Echo Tips Podcast. Wondering if you revisit this, might highlight what carriers this and the old Classic work on! Maybe vendor here in the states that carrier it as well. As an aside there's a $120-150 phone in the RNIB Store in the UK, trying to figure out if that flip feature phone is USA compatible as well, an if so what networks. I know the BlindShell will work in USA, I've got a student with one, just not positive what networks. Most I could find about the 1st gen was AT&T and/or T-Mobile seems to be ok. Keep up the good work.

[@driza97]

the blind shell classic 2 works with t-mobile right now. and a couple of stores that have it to order is the low vision shop and at guys. yep!

[@davidward7743]

@@driza97 cool thanks

[@theblindlife]

Oh, Adrian got here before I did, lol! Yes, currently only working on T-Mobile here in the US. Not sure if that will change in the future.

[@pattycoenen9712]

What SIM card compatible is it?

[@carolinehedley8714]

Hi, can you tell me if this phone can have audio feedback turned on/off easily by person with low vision? A person I'm working with is interested in phone & would need this facility and doesn't want to use headphones. Does volume control go to silent as a way to do this if on/off not possible or hard for person with VI? Thanks!

[@driza97]

look like blindshell recently came out with a software update where you can mute or turn off the talking completely in the settings menu.

[@driza97]

yep, you can go into settings and turn off the talking completely if you want to.

[@silentrakista5311]

💖

[@bassa69]

Does zello work on this phone

[@dandebs2068]

So what carriers is this phone available for? Does it come with a SIM card and you have to activate it on your own?

[@theblindlife]

I actually state in the video that the phone only works on T-Mobile in the United States. I’m not sure about other countries. The phone is only the hardware, you would need to insert a Sim card to start using it.

[@dandebs2068]

@@theblindlife Oh okay, I must have missed that somehow. Thanks!

[@christopherlent7164]

​@@dandebs2068 The phone has TWO simm sockets and therefore TWO IMEI's. With AT&T retiring 3G, currently the only carrier certifying the phone for 4G VoLTE (Voice over LTE) is T-Mobile. Note that T-Mobile also supports the phone on WiFi calling, which is great for interior spaces. The other carriers can, but will not (currently) provision the phone as it is not on their list of approved devices.

[@rdkuless]

Hello.. Are these Blind Shell Classic 2 OR the Mini Vision 2 compatible with Verizon cellular? I can't find any information on these websites or the verizon site that say they are. They don't say which networks are compatible.. that is very important information if the only coverage in your area is verizon... Please add carrier information in any future accessible blind phones.. Thank you Robb portland

[@driza97]

the blind shell only works with t-mobile for now. yep!

[@theblindlife]

Yes, blind shell is only available on T-Mobile right now. Pretty sure I said that in the video and also in the mini vision video I said that it was only available on T-Mobile and AT&T. That’s definitely something that I mentioned in the videos.

[@PurfectRelaxation]

Do they have the option to change the voice on the phone? Or is there only one voice available right now

[@christopherlent7164]

I remember running across other voice option, but left it set to the default. I think there are 4 other voices.

[@PurfectRelaxation]

@@christopherlent7164 cool 💜 thanks!

[@christopherlent7164]

@@PurfectRelaxation From pp 36-37 of the manual. Note the "menu position' option is on by default and is VERY useful. The Voice output menu item allows setting the properties of the phone’s voice output. The following properties can be changed or set: • Speech rate. • Voice variant. • Speak date and time - when set, date and time is announced every time the phone is unlocked. • Incoming call caller announcement - when set, caller name is announced automatically during incoming call. Otherwise, press the right action button to announce the caller’s name. • Locked keyboard announcement - when set, the phone announces that it is locked when any key is pressed multiple times when the phone is locked. • Menu position indication - when set, voice output is supplemented by information about the current position in a menu and menu items count (e.g., "two of five") Feedback The Feedback menu item allows setting the additional feedback of sound and vibrations. This feedback supplements the voice output while operating the phone.

[@PurfectRelaxation]

@@christopherlent7164 thanks

[@KennethDial777]

@@PurfectRelaxation if you have not noticed, it is using Google TTS, or, speech services by Google.

[@donnaparks1919]

I had retina surgery Dr says it's well and vision trouble is temporary and them says he could take off the silicone oil and scrape off scar tissue and it could detach again like looking through fish bowl I had some falls. I can't make distance stepping down and I'm severely dyslexic can't drive need help with recipes

[@MuhammedDenix]

Use be my eyes for that.

[@MuhammedDenix]

Okay, so everybody has an opinion on the blind shell clasic 2, so I thought I'd offer my opinions, and I'm saying this as someone who knows how to use touchscreen on an iphone. 1. I really don't prefer touch screen phones. I don't think it's a bad idea, in fact touchscreen sounds like a nice idea, but I prefer a tactile phone. For those who want a keyboard controller, the habal one is one that works on it. 2. Though these phones are good for someone that simply wants a phone with not many apps on the app catalogue a sort of mix between a basic and smart phone, this one is good for you. I mean even advanced users of smartphones can get this for work, depending on the type of work they're doing. However, I think more apps could be supported, like the envision app for the envision glasses, WeWalk app for the cane, etc. 3. If you want a mainstream phone with a keypad, go for the Kapsys smart vision 3 phone. It runs on android 11, which should be around for another decade, so that means most apps will work on it. 4. Nothing against real female voices! However, I don't prefer synthetic female voices. This is why I think more voices would be good, like the eloquence voices for jaws. Just my thoughts.

[@patriciabuttigieg7267]

Is there a video for first time users of the Blind Shell Classic 2 without comparison s to the original? I am looking for simple instructions/guide on how to set up phone for senior with hearing and visual impairnent-not used to this technology. I don't really care about what the inprovements are- since I never owned the previous one. Need to know how to turn on phone, answer phone, hang up phone, set up contact names & numbers, access radio, use voice or keypad for phoning or texting.

[@theblindlife]

Have you gone to there KZbin or website? They have tutorial videos on both. They also have an FAQ section, the manual available in several different formats, and even tutorials built right into the phone.

[@patriciabuttigieg7267]

@@theblindlife Thanks for responding. I returned the phone. Just didn't suit our needs. Instructions were too overwhelming & just hard for a legally blind & hard of hearing senior ( who won't wear hearing aids) to manipulate. It might be fine for a more tech savy person.

[@cvnkj4032]

Can u download what’s app on this an video chat? My aunt is visiting impaired but she can see a little.

[@driza97]

yes, it has that ap on there.

[@heidicook2395]

Thanks. I am looking for a new phone.

[@garathekd]

I don't see where it does anything the standard smart phone do. Am I missing something? Looks like a good in between model for those not ready to go that far... But at $480.00 i'd push someone to a iphone SE for $400.00, an extra $30 for an airtag and they still come out ahead. This would of been great when smart phones were new but I sort of think they missed there window.

[@theblindlife]

I’m sorry but you’re missing the point, it’s for people that don’t want a smart phone. Believe it or not, there’s still a large number of people out there who need a fully accessible phone but don’t want to deal with a smart phone. Even if you’re a smart phone user and you think it would be perfect for them, they will never use a smart phone. That’s who this phone is designed for. I work with people like that every week.

[@garathekd]

@@theblindlife I don't think I am missing the point. A smart phone is more accessible, cost less and does more. I picked iphone because people complain about how expensive they are. I think it coests to much for what it offers. This feels to me like a tax on being visually impaired.

[@KennethDial777]

@@garathekd I agree with the blind life on this one. And there are people that would want to have an accessible cell phone that would meet their needs. If I’m wrong on that, let me know.

[@garathekd]

@@KennethDial777 The phone is fine my issue is with the cost... Based on the features it has compared to other phones on the market I feel like it should be cheaper. I don't like specialty products like this. There is no reason a standard phone shouldn't be able to be made accessible. When we have to buy a special version of items it is always more expensive and that feels to me like we are being punished for being blind. So the fact you can get an iphone SE and an airtag for less than the blind shell phone and the iphone can do more really bothers me.

[@KennethDial777]

@@garathekd you have a point.

[@v.noopurkrishna798]

Hi 👋, can you please tell me can I get this phone in Chennai, Tamil Nadu in India?.... Where can I buy it? I mean like amazon

[@minukarodrigo]

This phone costs around 700 US$, so you're better off with a Nokia 220 4G or Nokia 3210 4G instead.

[@rajko2012]

What about cpu GPU and os

[@jeffboudwin5658]

Cool phone. Not for me I use Pixel phones but I'll pass it on to anyone I think it would be good for.

[@KennethDial777]

I just talked about this last night briefly. I told people that if they want more information on some devices that I talked about in a video that I did last night, they would have to look up more info themselves.

[@theblindlife]

It’s funny because even when I say that, people will get mad that I didn’t go over all of that information again.

[@yvonneb97]

Is this phone sim free

[@shapsshapeh4965]

Wow

[@rubypierce9344]

If I needed to get another phone I would look into that one, except I would go crazy trying to text with the phone having low computer keyboard. I have a hard time texting with numbers like that.

[@christopherlent7164]

The voice dictation (with text to voice feedback for confirmation) works really well for us in SMS texting. See the demo using WhatsApp kzbin.info/www/bejne/qZuvnaOEqrOeaNk

[@driza97]

in a recent software update, you can hook up a usb-c keyboard to type emails and text. yep.

[@lottycyber7097]

What is the battery life like?

[@driza97]

battery can last up to 4 days, depending on how much you use it. yep.

[@kennyleung3267]

Can one click green button to answer whatsapp incoming call? Thanks.

[@dontmindbeingblindd]

sounds like a great phone except for the TTS voice used.

[@willyvlyminck201]

Is there any warranty?

[@driza97]

has a 1 year warranty.

[@jeremyohara6513]

Hi Sam. i sent you a message on a video you did over on the blindshell KZbin channel about sending text messages. i asked you can you send can receive MMS's? images, etc.?

[@theblindlife]

Sorry about that, I just made a videos for them, I don’t have access to their channel to answer comments. I believe it sends a link to download the image when you send through text.

[@kalpanahooda2470]

Is this phone working in india

[@RodrigoBedoya]

Wow! My father could really use one of those phones. Does it speak Spanish?

[@christopherlent7164]

Yup, here's the video for the previous model kzbin.info/www/bejne/pKqpaIyhlNehb8k The video lists Spanish(Spain) and Spanish(Mexico).

[@JesusL0rd0fl0rds]

I have a brand new Blindshell classic 2 that I bought for me Mother but we could not use. I paid $400 for it, would like to sell it and recover some of the cost to anyone who could use it.

[@eugeniacalina9111]

ING HOME BANK WORKS?

[@allahdinoabro6091]

How 🤔 you buy this mobile phone in PAKISTAN

[@theblindlife]

Check out their website for places it’s sold.

[@deetlesbug3008]

Is this phone 5G compliant?

[@christopherlent7164]

4G VoLTE (Voice over LTE), 3G and 2G and WiFi calling. Only T-Mobile in the USA. Other carriers are technically capable of provisioning these phones, but the phones are not on the magical approved devices list. As of 11 February 2022, these carriers checked and told me they don't support the phone: Verizon, AT&T, and Optimum Mobile (all were clueless about the existence of the BlindShell Classic 2). We were on AT&T from Dec. 2021, but with their 3G shutdown, we had to move to T-Mobile. Happily T-Mobile WiFi calling works nicely when 4G T-Mobile service is spotty.

[@theblindlife]

Thanks for the information!

[@donnaparks1919]

Need help FB and on line shopping cart walmart cart can't get it to much for my budget no help

[@svfox]

Look at requirements It is a GSM phone. How long a life does this product have being GSM

[@theblindlife]

Well the fact that CDMA has pretty much been phased out and all the networks are going GSM, I imagine pretty long.

[@trinitymembers8422]

Laenne

[@trinitymembers8422]

Leanne 2 Adrian obrien xxxx 🤔😲🤩

[@richardcarey9121]

Well they stole the beeper sound clearly from Tile lol

[@paulcresswell6268]

€449?! That would buy a lot of more capable smartphone...

[@imwatchingyou6113]

Buttons far to small ..screen far to small it's for the BLIND they can't see remember...the price is outrageous...Nokia 105 4g price $17.00 does most of what that rip off phone does even though same problem of being to small ...l think you love this phone because of your commission...sleep well if you can 🤔

[@Garo48]

That was the most useless video possible. You don’t show how to access the features and I can’t find the video you mentioned concerning the actual operating of the phone. Link?

[@driza97]

there are more than a hanful of videos on youtube showing how to use the blindshell classic2. try looking up pay own media. they have some good short videos on working the different features. yep.