TheNerds.net has the Nokia 6700 slide Smartphone for $192.99 plus about $10 for shipping. This phone is one of the latest to be compatible with the KNFB Reader Mobile, making it the cheapest option available for users looking for a compatible phone model. This phone includes a numeric slide-out keypad, 5 megapixel camera, and a Micro SD high-capacity memory card slot. In addition to the KNFB Reader Mobile, it's compatible with Talks and Mobile Speak.

The Accessible Blackberry website has created a podcast demonstration of Oratio running on a Blackberry Curve 8520. The demonstration features a device description, a basic feature overview, and some common answers about Oratio. Interested users can also follow @bbaccess on Twitter.

Lost in the mainstream media's coverage of the pending launch of Apple's iPhone version 4 is several accessibility improvements. As speculated upon earlier, iOS version 4 will include support for over 30 Bluetooth Braille displays. Simply pair the device to begin using it with VoiceOver. Also, a new larger font is available for several built-in applications, and improvements in the web browsing experience are included. A new touch typing mode allows for another method of nonvisual input. The new iPhone will be available June 24.

Steve Jobs has just announced iPhone 4, the latest version of Apple's flagship cell phone. The new version is 24 percent thinner than the 3GS and the thinnest smartphone ever, according to Jobs. It also includes a front-facing camera and a back-facing camera with LED. Improvements to help with reception are also included. The new iPhone will be released June 24 with preorders starting June 15. More info will certainly come out in the coming minutes and hours. Stay tuned to Blind Bargains for the latest including accessibility features as we learn more.

It's starting to become more difficult to find Nokia N86 cell phones. While KNFB Reader Mobile dealers should have a good supply for the foreseeable future, you may want to get one soon if you are looking to just buy the phone. ATTGsm via Buy.com has the NOKIA N86 Unlocked Smartphone in indigo for $429.99. It's been less before, but other stores are now out of stock. Shipping is free on this item. It includes an 8 megapixel camera, 8GB of built-in memory, FM transmitter, and is supported by both Mobile Speak and Talks.

A condolence book has been set up on line in memory of Torsten Brand who passed away earlier this week. Visitors are invited to sign the online book and leave messages and comments, which will then be shared with his family. A memorial fund has also been set up which will be given to the family.

Torsten Brand, one of the most influencial men in the development of accessible cellular phone software, has died of complications from an operation.. He was 47. Torsten attended Universität Hannover in Germany from 1984-1991. In 2002, he partnered with Marcus Groeber and founded Brand & Groeber Communications, which began development of screen reading technology for Nokia phones. In 2004, the startup was purchased by Scansoft, which later became Nuance. He served as the Product Manager for Mobile Applications at Nuance Communications Inc. until his untimely passing. He had most recently led the release of Talks version 5, supporting 5th edition Symbian-based cell phones including touchscreen models. He leaves behind 4 children. A post on the Handytech North America Twitter sums up the feelings of many in saying, "You've done so much for the blind community. We will all miss you." After the jump, a collection of some of Torsten's interviews from around the net. If you have a link or a memory to share, please leave it in the comments. ### MOBILE PHONE FOR VISUALLY IMPAIRED discussing the first version of Talks for the Nokia 9210 Communicator - BBC Radio 4 In Touch, November 19, 2002
Acquisition by Nuance in September, 2004
To Chronicle a Symbian Screen Reader - Mobile Space, April 4, 2008
Torsten on Talks 4 - Serotalk Podcast, March 6, 2009
interview at ATIA 2010 on Talks for touchscreen devices - Blind Bargains, January 28, 2010
Extended Interview on Talks 5 - BlindMind.net, March 17, 2010

TheNerds.net has the Nokia 5230 Nuron cell phone in BLACK for $174.99. With $10 for shipping, it's one of the cheapest touchscreen phones we know of which can be made accessible. It now is supported by both Talks 5 and Mobile Speak 4. It includes a 4GB MicroSDHC memory card, 2 megapixel camera, FM radio, GPS receiver, and support for T-Mobile's high-speed network. The phone is unlocked and not tied to a specific carrier.

Talks 5 with support for touch-screen devices hasn't even been released yet, but audio demos are already beginning to surface. This file from Darragh Heiligh of Listen and Learn Recordings demonstrates the new version running on a Nokia N97. We're not exactly sure how this person obtained Talks 5, or if it was obtained legally.

Amazon.com has the Nokia X6 Unlocked GSM Cell Phone with a 5 Megapixel Camera, a capacitive touchscreen, and 16 GB Memory in black for $349.99. With free shipping, we couldn't find this newly-released phone for less. It is supported by Mobile Speak and Mobile Magnifier version 4 and also includes 3G support, Wi-fi, and up to 9.5 hours of talk time. The 5 megapixel camera includes Carl Zeiss optics and has similar specifications to other phones supported by the KNFB Reader Mobile, though no news about this particular model has been forthcoming as of yet.