The Practical Relationship and Usefulness of Seeing AI and Be My Eyes for Users
In the realm of assistive technology, two standout applications, Seeing AI and Be My Eyes, have significantly impacted the lives of individuals with visual impairments. Both apps are practically related to Microsoft and offer unique features that enhance accessibility and independence for their users. This essay explores the relationship between these apps and Microsoft, and how they are beneficial for users.
Seeing AI: A Microsoft Innovation
Seeing AI is a groundbreaking application developed by Microsoft. It leverages the power of artificial intelligence to provide detailed descriptions of the world around users who are blind or have low vision. The app uses computer vision, image and speech recognition, natural language processing, and machine learning to interpret and describe various elements in the environment. Users can point their phone’s camera at objects, text, people, and scenes to receive real-time audio descriptions. This functionality is particularly useful for reading printed text, identifying currency, recognizing faces, and understanding the layout of a room. By integrating advanced AI technologies, Microsoft has created a tool that significantly enhances the daily lives of visually impaired individuals, promoting greater independence and confidence.
Key Features of Seeing AI:
Text Recognition: Reads printed text aloud, including documents, signs, and labels.
Facial Recognition: Identifies people and their emotions.
Scene Description: Describes the environment and objects around the user.
Currency Recognition: Identifies different currencies.
Product Recognition: Scans barcodes to provide product information.
Color Recognition: Identifies colors.
Handwriting Recognition: Reads handwritten text.
Light Detection: Detects the amount of light in the environment.
How to Download and Install Seeing AI:
For iOS Users: Open the App Store on your iPhone or iPad, search for “Seeing AI,” and tap “Get” to download and install the app.
For Android Users: Open the Google Play Store on your Android device, search for “Seeing AI,” and tap “Install” to download and install the app.
Be My Eyes: Empowering Through Community and Microsoft Partnership
Be My Eyes is an innovative app that connects visually impaired users with sighted volunteers through live video calls. This app, while independently developed, has a strong partnership with Microsoft. Through the “Specialized Help” feature, users can access Microsoft’s Disability Answer Desk for technical support with Microsoft products and services. This collaboration ensures that users receive expert assistance tailored to their specific needs. Additionally, Be My Eyes has integrated AI-powered features through the Be My AI beta, which includes Microsoft’s technology. This integration allows users to receive instant visual assistance and answers to a wide range of questions about Microsoft products. The combination of human support and AI technology makes Be My Eyes a versatile and invaluable tool for visually impaired individuals.
Key Features of Be My Eyes:
Live Video Assistance: Connects visually impaired users with sighted volunteers for real-time help.
Specialized Help: Provides access to company representatives for technical support, including Microsoft’s Disability Answer Desk.
Community Support: Utilizes a global network of volunteers to assist with various tasks.
AI-Powered Features: Offers instant visual assistance and answers through the Be My AI beta, incorporating Microsoft’s technology.
How to Download and Install Be My Eyes:
For iOS Users: Open the App Store on your iPhone or iPad, search for “Be My Eyes,” and tap “Get” to download and install the app.
For Android Users: Open the Google Play Store on your Android device, search for “Be My Eyes,” and tap “Install” to download and install the app.
Practical Benefits for Users
Both Seeing AI and Be My Eyes offer practical benefits that enhance the quality of life for their users. Seeing AI provides immediate, automated descriptions of the environment, which is particularly useful for tasks that require quick information, such as reading signs, identifying products, and navigating unfamiliar spaces. The app’s ability to recognize faces and emotions also helps users in social interactions, making it easier to connect with others.
On the other hand, Be My Eyes excels in providing personalized, real-time assistance for tasks that require human judgment and interaction. Whether it’s reading labels, navigating new environments, or troubleshooting technical issues, the app’s network of volunteers offers invaluable support. The partnership with Microsoft further enhances this support by providing specialized help for Microsoft products, ensuring that users can effectively use the technology they rely on.
Mohammad Zaripour
Assistive technology and disability activists based in Canada
