There are countless apps — many of which are free — available to help people who are blind or who have low vision.
Some are single-purpose — for example, apps that magnify and illuminate text and objects, map ATM locations, tell you what time it is audibly, and more.
Others have more complex identification capabilities thanks to artificial intelligence. Microsoft’s Seeing AI(iOS only) can translate a wide range of visual experiences into audio. For example, it can read text in real time; identify the denomination of paper money; scan documents; describe people, including their emotions; identify products by their bar codes; describe images from other apps; identify colors; and more. The apps iDentifiand TapTapSee(both iOS only) allow the user to take a photo and get an instant description. Facing Emotions(Android only) translates facial expressions of emotions into corresponding sounds.
Other apps connect visually impaired users to sighted volunteers for assistance with things like checking expiration dates on food, distinguishing colors, reading instructions, and more. Be My Eyesconnects users and volunteers via live video calls, while BeSpecularallows users to send a photo and voice message to a community of volunteers to quickly get a description.
The wide range of options makes it possible for users who are blind or visually impaired to create an individual toolbox with apps that meet their needs and help them navigate the world independently.