App for wheelchairs on its way

Need real-time electronic wheelchair information? There’s an app for that. Dynamic Controls has released an app for iPhone and iPod Touch that interfaces with the company’s power wheelchair electronics.The app connects a user’s iPhone or iPod Touch to their electronic wheelchair via Bluetooth, displaying chair information, speed (in either kilometres per hour or miles per hour) and a compass heading. Users may also purchase a specially designed cradle to attach their device to the wheelchair. The electronic chair can even charge the device.Also included within the app is a wheelchair diagnostics feature, direct access to the Dynamic Controls website and IR and wi-fi appliance control.“We recognised the iPhone has revolutionised the way people communicate and saw the opportunity to develop this solution for wheelchair users, taking full advantage of Apple's ‘Works with iPod / Made for iPhone’ developer programme,” says CEO of Dynamic Controls, Charlotte Walshe.The app will be available from April 2010.