In today’s digitally driven world, accessibility has become a key focus for technology developers. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is playing a huge role by offering more effective and accessible ways of doing everyday tasks.
New tech is being developed each day but here is a quick review of some of the most popular AI tools available now:
Be My Eyes https://www.bemyeyes.com/
Be My Eyes is a pioneering AI-driven platform that connects blind and visually impaired users with sighted volunteers through live video calls. Using their smartphone cameras, sighted volunteers help users with tasks such as reading labels, identifying objects, or even providing assistance in unfamiliar environments.
Seeing AI https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/ai/seeing-ai
Developed by Microsoft, Seeing AI is an app that utilises AI to narrate the world to people with sight loss. Through your device’s camera, the app can identify and describe objects, recognise people’s faces, read printed text, and even convey emotions on people’s faces.
OrCam MyEye https://www.orcam.com/en-gb/orcam-myeye
OrCam MyEye is a wearable device that employs AI to provide real-time auditory feedback to users. The device can read printed text, identify products, and even recognise faces.
BlindSquare https://www.blindsquare.com/
BlindSquare is a navigation app that integrates AI with GPS technology to assist users in navigating their surroundings. The app offers location information, points of interest, and directions using voice prompts.
Aira https://aira.io/
Aira is an AI-powered service that connects users with trained remote agents who assist in real-time tasks. Users wear smart glasses equipped with cameras that allow remote agents to see their surroundings and offer guidance, whether it’s navigating busy streets or reading a menu.
Lookout Lookout – Assisted vision – Apps on Google Play
Developed by Google, Lookout employs AI to identify objects and read text aloud. It’s particularly useful for tasks like sorting clothes, identifying currency, and recognising labels.
Estée Lauder’s Voice-enabled Makeup Assistant Estée Lauder Voice-enabled Makeup Assistant (esteelauder.co.uk)
This innovative app for iOS devices offers audio feedback on foundation, eyeshadow and lipstick application, creating a more accessible beauty experience.
For more information on assistive technology, please check out our Wellbeing Hub or contact us on 01244 381 515 to book an appointment with one of our Digital Skills Officers.
