Apps and services in this category connect users with visual information about their surroundings, printed materials, and everyday objects through a combination of artificial intelligence and human support.
Aira Explorer
Overview: Provides professional visual interpretation support for people who are blind or have low vision. The subscription based service works anywhere using a smartphone, and Aira partners with popular businesses and access locations where calls are free. New subscribers receive three free calls at signup, and the app’s AI features for describing images, menus, thermostat settings, and mail can be used without a subscription.
View Aira Explorer on the App Store
Be My Eyes
Overview: Connects users with a live volunteer to describe surroundings or objects in real time, drawing on a network of over one million sighted volunteers. The built-in Be My AI feature offers an alternative: snap a photo and receive a detailed description in text and voice, with the option to ask follow-up questions. Be My Eyes can also be used with Ray-Ban Meta glasses instead of the phone’s camera. All features are free, apart from the glasses themselves.
View Be My Eyes on the App Store
Seeing AI
Overview: A Microsoft app that describes the physical environment, people, and objects. Modes include reading documents, describing scenes, identifying currency, and finding personal items. A face recognition feature can store familiar faces so descriptions become specific, naming who is sitting across the room rather than announcing an unknown person. The app reminds users to ask consent before storing anyone’s image.