Hable Easy: Making Smartphone Access Simpler For All

Steven Scott catches up with Freek van Welsenis, co-founder of Hable, to discuss their brand-new innovation: the Hable Easy. This simplified, one-button-per-function interface is designed for blind and visually impaired users who find gesture-based smartphone navigation overwhelming—and it’s built on the same hardware as the original Hable One.

Freek shares the backstory behind Hable Easy, which originated from feedback by an assistive technology teacher. The goal? A device so intuitive it requires no Braille knowledge or complex commands. Just one hand, one button per action, and full control over your phone—perfect for anyone who finds screen reader gestures challenging or simply wants a faster way to check messages or launch dictation on the go.

The best part? If you already own a Hable One, you can update to Hable Easy via firmware—no new hardware required. And yes, you can switch between Hable One and Hable Easy modes through the companion app. Freek explains everything, including how firmware updates work, what to expect in the packaging, and how tactile stickers make navigation even easier.