Israeli firm develops mouse for the blind

An Israeli firm has unveiled a computer mouse designed to help more blind people take to the web.

VirTouch is confident the system will offer web access to millions of people worldwide.

The mouse uses special software to relay text and graphics to users' fingertips.

Pins embedded into the mouse can convey the data in regular alphabets as well as Braille.

The firm has also developed tactile computer games to put the system through its paces.

It has signed distributions deals to take the device beyond its home market to Europe and the US.

Last year, Microsoft announced a partnership with a New Zealand-based company Pulse Data International to make Microsoft's Reader software compatible with Pulse Data's specialist devices for the blind.

In July, AOL had countered the threat of legal action from the US National Federation of the Blind by agreeing to develop software to give all web users equal access to its service.