How This AI Video Tool Works to Enhance Independence for Blind and Low-Vision Communities

CNET

16 hours ago

Apps with accessibility considerations built in can open up more of the world to the blind and visually impaired. And tech companies using artificial intelligence are working to open more doors for these communities.
I've been researching how humans who need visual assistance can get support for navigating life. Aira Explorer, a visual interpreting service designed to help individuals who are blind or have low vision, connects people with trained professionals who provide real-time visual information through a smartphone camera.
What is Aira Explorer, and how does it use AI?
Aira was founded in 2015 by Suman Kanuganti and Michael Hingson, who aimed to create a service that delivers instant access to visual information and empowers people with impairments to navigate the world more independently.
While some support platforms are volunteer-run, Aira's selling point is its 24/7 care and support.
In 2023, Aira introduced Access AI, its AI-powered feature integrated into the Aira Explorer app. It allows you to take or upload photos and receive instant detailed AI-generated responses.
One key feature of the app is called Aira Verify, in which a human visual interpreter can confirm or clarify AI's responses. This can help when AI gets something wrong, though I think needing a human to double-check AI responses somewhat defeats the purpose of this kind of tool. But hopefully the technology will advance so that those checks aren't necessary.
The AI features within Aira Explorer, including Aira Verify, are free regardless of subscription model, to ensure as many people can benefit from the tool as possible.
Aira also has an ASL app designed for on-demand interpreting to support the deaf and hard of hearing communities, though it's not available everywhere yet.
How to use Aira to get real-time assistance
The Aira Explorer app is available on iOS and Android, so you'll need your phone handy.
Create an account and select a subscription plan or continue with Aira's free trial. You'll also need to set up a profile and enter personal preferences and accessibility needs. Then, choose your preferred language and notification settings before getting started. At the bottom of the screen, look for the Access AI button, where you can upload photos or ask the AI tool questions you want answered. If you'd like to use Aira Verify, your responses will be sent to a human agent for verification. (Note: If you attempt to make a call while using either of these services, you'll be charged for the time. More on pricing below.) If you'd like to speak to a human, navigate to Connect to start a live video call with an Aira agent. Use your smartphone camera to share your surroundings with them, and the agent will guide you through tasks that come up in your environment. AI also assists here by analyzing the scene or objects in the screen to support the agent helping you.
Once you're finished, you can end the call and review the session, or log back on to speak with someone again. With its 24/7 abilities, you can get help at any time -- just make sure the internet connection is stable to create a smooth interaction between both you and the agent.
Should you use Aira Explorer?
It's wonderful that Aira Explorer offers people 24/7 care and uses technology as a medium for this. Blending AI and human support while providing individuals with tools to navigate the world more independently can be a strategic lifeline.
Aira / Screenshot by CNET
But with technology, there are some watchouts, particularly data and privacy considerations. If you're in a space without great internet, or an emergency situation, then Aira shouldn't (and can't) be your first choice to turn to for support. You should also be mindful of sharing personal information during sessions. Another potential deterrent is the cost.
The starting price is $26/mo for 20 minutes, which you could wind up using on your first (and possibly only) call. However, one customer noted that this pricing was a bargain in comparison to a weekday support worker.
Many institutions and organizations partner with Aira to offer services to their members, so if the individual cost is too high, it's worth asking whether access is available through one of them.
Price aside, Aira's on-demand assistance can be crucial for 24/7 support to anyone navigating unfamiliar environments, reading printed materials, identifying objects and accessing digital content. This gives me hope that AI can drive further advancements and prove that tech-for-good can genuinely support and care for others.