Google recently released new features for the Lookout app, including an AI function for visually impaired individuals. The AI functions give users the ability to scan documents, as well as read food labels out loud.
Users can scan good labels using the camera of their smartphone, and the system can recognize what food item they are holding. If the system needs more information it can instruct the user to rotate the item. The Lookout app is able to recognize items by comparing images to databases of food products based on several factors including brand, product, flavor, and more.
The document scanning function allows users to scan with their smartphone, and following that the app can read it to them. Users can also select 'quick read,' to increase the reading pace.
Image Credit: Google
Why This Trend Is Growing
- AI-powered Accessibility Apps
- The development of AI-powered accessibility apps is providing visually impaired individuals with new possibilities for independence and accessibility.
- Visual Recognition Technology
- Visual recognition technology is expanding possibilities for recognizing visual products and objects in real-time using artificial intelligence.
- Smartphone Scanning Applications
- The development of smartphone scanning applications is providing incredible advancements in accessibility for individuals with visual impairments.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Healthcare
- Healthcare providers could use AI-powered accessibility apps to assist and improve independence for patients with vision disabilities that might impact their health.
- Retail Industry
- Retailers can make use of visual recognition technology for product identification and commercial display purposes.
- Tech Industry
- The development of smartphone scanning applications presents the tech industry with a new opportunity to develop artificial intelligence capabilities for visual recognition.
