A smart shoe designed to help the visually-impaired get around has been unveiled by Indian start-up company Ducere Technologies Pvt.
The shoes are the latest example of wearable technology that has the potential to hit big.
The bluetooth shoes, dubbed Lechal, sync with the Google Maps app on your smartphone and vibrate when wearers need to turn or when the desired destination has been reached.
When it's time to turn right or left, the corresponding show will vibrate a feature that could prove extremely useful for visually-impaired users who have previously had to rely on the use of a cane when walking.
Krispian Lawrence, co-founder and chief executive officer of the company, said: "The shoes are a natural extension of the human body. You will leave your house without your watch or wristband, but you will never leave your house without your shoes."
As well as their function as an aid for the blind and partially-sighted, it is thought the shoes could also be an attractive accessory for hikers and tourists who want to navigate their route without having to constantly check their phones. By syncing the shoes to Google Maps, they can find their way by just obeying the vibrations.
Fitness trackers have become hugely popular, and the Lechal (which means "take me along" in Hindi) shoes could be an interesting alternative to smart watches and wristbands.
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