Back in 2017, Microsoft launched Seeing AI, an application for the blind and low vision to narrate the world around them. The app has since evolved getting a ton of updates as well as features to enhance the user experience, such as additional language support for iOS users and the incorporation of LiDAR sensors in iPhones to offer new ways to explore spaces.
And now, yet again Microsoft is launching a new feature to further build upon the premise of enhancing its user experience. The application will now read out detailed information whenever the users scan barcodes of healthcare products belonging to Haleon, a British multinational consumer healthcare company.
According to the press release:
With today’s launch in honor of World Sight Day, people can now hear packaging information through the Microsoft Seeing AI app by scanning the barcode of Haleon products.” Users who are blind, have trouble reading or have low literacy can use the app to scan more than 1,500 Haleon products like Advil, Excedrin, Theraflu, Emergen-C and more, and their device will read out product information, instructions, ingredients “and other crucial details.
With this added feature, both visually impaired people, as well as those that are not well versed when it comes to medication, will be able to understand the packaging and contents of the medicine without any assistance from a third-party, thus enhancing a sense of independence.
However, the feature is available for iOS users in the UK and US on the free app. Microsoft did indicate that they will be rolling out the Android version in the future.
via: Engadget
