TL;DR:
- Microsoft celebrates the International Day of Persons with Disabilities with the launch of Seeing AI on Android.
- Seeing AI, a free app for the visually impaired, is now available on Android, offering support for 18 languages.
- The Android version includes new features like richer image descriptions and document interaction through voice commands.
- Microsoft’s commitment to the app’s continuous improvement and inclusivity is evident in its partnership with the blind community.
- Seeing AI on Android is a game-changer for the 3 billion Android users worldwide, enhancing accessibility for the visually impaired.
- Microsoft aims to expand language support to 36 languages by 2024, making it a global accessibility solution.
Main AI News:
In celebration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD), Microsoft is thrilled to announce the launch of the latest version of the Seeing AI app, complete with new and updated features and expanded language support. The most exciting news is that Seeing AI is now available for the first time on Android devices via the Google Play Store, greatly extending its accessibility to the global blind and low vision community.
Seeing AI, a free mobile application, has been a beacon of independence and empowerment for individuals with visual impairments. With this innovative app, users can explore the world around them by utilizing the power of artificial intelligence. Whether it’s reading mail, identifying everyday products, hearing detailed descriptions of photos, or even recognizing currency notes, Seeing AI has transformed the lives of countless individuals, making daily tasks more accessible and enjoyable.
The Android version of Seeing AI has been enhanced based on valuable feedback from users, incorporating the latest generative AI features that were previously available only on iOS. Some of the notable updates include:
- Richer Descriptions of Photos: Users can now receive detailed descriptions of images, going beyond brief summaries. By tapping ‘more info,’ a comprehensive description will be generated, providing a deeper understanding of the image content.
- Chat to Your Documents: After scanning a document, users can engage in a conversation with Seeing AI to ask questions or seek information. This feature is incredibly useful for tasks like menu item inquiries, price checks on receipts, or article summarization.
Seeing AI was originally introduced as a research project in 2017, with Microsoft engineers collaborating closely with the blind community to identify areas where technology could enhance independence and quality of life. The result was a groundbreaking app that allowed users to simply point their mobile device’s camera at an object or text and receive instant audio descriptions.
Seeing AI offers a wide range of functionalities, including:
- Short Text: Reads text aloud as soon as it appears in front of the camera.
- Documents: Provides audio guidance for capturing and reading printed pages.
- Products: Scans barcodes, audibly announcing the name and product information.
- Scenes: Describes the captured scene in detail, allowing exploration through touch.
- People: Identifies friends and acquaintances in the vicinity.
- Currency: Recognizes various currency notes.
- Colors: Identifies perceived colors.
- Handwriting: Reads handwritten text (available in select languages).
- Light: Generates audible tones corresponding to the brightness of the surroundings.
- Images in Other Apps: Seamlessly integrates with other applications to recognize images.
With over 3 billion active Android users worldwide, the expansion of Seeing AI to this platform opens up new possibilities for millions of individuals in the blind and low vision community. Microsoft is committed to continually improving the app based on user feedback, ensuring that it remains a valuable tool for enhancing independence and accessibility.
In the spirit of inclusivity, Microsoft believes in the motto, “Nothing about us, without us.” User feedback will play a pivotal role in shaping future versions of the Seeing AI app, ensuring that it continues to empower and enrich the lives of individuals with visual impairments.
As of now, Seeing AI is available in 18 languages, with plans to increase this to 36 languages by 2024. This expansion demonstrates Microsoft’s unwavering dedication to creating technology that is truly inclusive and accessible to people of diverse linguistic backgrounds.
Conclusion:
Microsoft’s release of Seeing AI on Android represents a significant stride in the accessibility technology market. With millions of Android users gaining access to this powerful tool, it opens up new opportunities for both the visually impaired community and businesses seeking to cater to diverse user needs. Microsoft’s commitment to continuous improvement and inclusivity positions Seeing AI as a leading player in the accessible technology sector. The planned expansion of language support further solidifies its global impact and relevance.
