Be My Eyes is a revolutionary mobile app designed to enhance the lives of people who are blind or have low vision by providing them with real-time visual assistance. Here’s an overview of what the app does and its key features:
Purpose and Mission
Be My Eyes aims to make the world more accessible for blind and low-vision individuals. Founded by Hans Jørgen Wiberg, a visually impaired Danish furniture craftsman, the app leverages technology to connect users with sighted volunteers and company representatives globally.
Key Features
Volunteer Assistance
The app allows users to connect with over 7 million sighted volunteers speaking 185 languages, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. These volunteers assist through live video calls, using the phone’s camera to provide real-time descriptions and help with various tasks such as using home appliances, reading product labels, matching outfits, and navigating surroundings.
Be My AI
A recent innovation is the ‘Be My AI’ feature, which uses artificial intelligence to provide detailed descriptions of images and scenes. Users can take a picture, and the AI will generate a visual description and answer follow-up questions. This feature is available in 36 languages and is particularly useful for tasks like checking makeup, translating text, and more.
Service Directory
The ‘Service Directory’ section enables users to connect directly with customer service representatives from a wide range of companies, including Microsoft and Google, for specialized help with their products and services. This feature is part of the Accessible Customer Service Suite, which offers efficient and accessible support.
Functionality
- User-Centric Assistance: Users can choose between calling a volunteer, chatting with Be My AI, or contacting a company representative, allowing them to get assistance on their own terms.
- Global Accessibility: The app is available in over 150 countries and supports more than 180 languages, making it a global solution for visual assistance.
- 24/7 Availability: Both volunteers and the Be My AI feature are available around the clock, ensuring users can get help whenever they need it.
- Free of Charge: The app is completely free to use, making it accessible to everyone who needs it.
Additional Capabilities
- Task Variety: The app helps with a wide range of daily tasks, including reading digital displays, operating vending machines, sorting music collections, and dealing with paper mail.
- Integration with Other Devices: Be My Eyes is available not only for smartphones and tablets but also for Windows and smartglasses, expanding its reach and usability.
In summary, Be My Eyes is a powerful tool that combines human volunteer support, advanced AI technology, and corporate partnerships to provide comprehensive visual assistance to blind and low-vision individuals, enhancing their independence and quality of life.