Assistant Apps - RNIB



Assistant AppsWhat is it: An application obtained from the platform specific store (iOS app store or Android Google Play Store) which can provide access to information.The app uses augmented reality (AR) to provide GPS navigation, recognition for printed materials, colours, light, bank notes, images, scenery and faces. Although this is achieved by using the camera on the device, no sight is required to operate the app as spoken feedback is available. Setup:Assistants apps like KNFB Reader, Be My Eyes, Seeing AI, Tap Tap See, Identifi, Blind Square, Sound Scape amongst others are widely available on the iOS platform which means that they will work on Apple products like the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. Some of these apps are also available on Android devices and are expected to become more and more available in due course.TO start using any such app, it needs to be obtained from the relevant store which means it is installed on to the device. An apple ID or a Google ID is required along with a password in order for this to happen.Some assistants apps are available free of charge, some offer a subscription based service and some can be acquired with a 1 off purchase.When the download and installation is complete, an icon is placed on the home screen of the device where the app can be launched from.Use:Assistants apps are used to perform the day to day tasks completely independently. They allow a sight impaired person read printed materials like letters, magazines and menus, to recognise currency, find out the colour of an item, to identify products using the bar code reader, find out what is around you and hear descriptions on what the scene looks like. The also help to make travelling to one place to another easier using GPS to provide directions, information on landmarks and roads.Verdict:If a person wants to be able to take control of their own communications by post, choose the correct colour of clothes, furniture and other items, pay using the correct cash, identify the scene around them, determine products and navigate independently, then assistants apps are the best solution.No sight is required to operate the app as spoken feedback is provided. There are also accessories available to help with different aspects. The Giraffe reading stand when lining up the camera with the text on a page is one such example.Further Resources: ................
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