Industry News
Microsoft Launches Enhanced Seeing AI App
In commemoration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) on December 3, Microsoft has unveiled the latest iteration of its groundbreaking Seeing AI app on Android devices, now available for download on the Google Play Store. This move signifies a significant expansion of accessibility features and language support, reinforcing Microsoft's commitment to empowering the blind and low vision community.
The Seeing AI app, designed collaboratively with input from the blind and low vision community, leverages cutting-edge AI technology to provide users with an auditory representation of the world through their mobile devices. Essential tasks like reading mail and identifying everyday items become more accessible, enhancing the overall user experience for individuals with visual impairments.
Microsoft emphasizes that the app is an evolving product, shaped by continuous feedback from the blind and low vision community and advancements in AI research. The Android release marks a pivotal moment as Seeing AI becomes available to the vast Android user base, reaching over 3 billion active users worldwide. The app is currently accessible in 18 languages, with plans to expand this to 36 languages by the year 2024.
Among the new features introduced in the Android version are enhancements in generative AI, mirroring recent updates on the iOS platform. Notably, the photo description feature has been improved, providing more detailed information about the content of images. Users can also engage in interactive conversations about scanned documents, allowing for inquiries about menu items, receipt prices, or article summaries.
Seeing AI was initially launched in 2017 as a research project and has since evolved into a powerful tool that utilizes AI to make the visual world more accessible to individuals with visual impairments. The app caters to a range of daily tasks, from reading to describing photos and identifying products. For more information on the latest features and to download Seeing AI on Android or iOS, visit seeingai.com
