Tag: smart wearables

  • Accessibility Event Recaps of 2018

    Accessibility Event Recaps of 2018

    This year, we were thrilled to hold our “Accessibility Resources for People With Visual Impairments” series at Manhattan Eye, Ear and Throat Hospital in NYC, supported by the Association for Macular Diseases.

    Events were lively, fun and full of laughter and discussion, covering an abundance of exciting topics, from smart speakers to electronic glasses to the latest and best in accessibility apps. Our audiences spoke up and exchanged thought-provoking opinions on favorites, preferences, and future developments in accessibility.

    If you missed any of our events, not to worry! We return in Spring 2019. Meanwhile, explore the best of this year’s event recaps and accessibility resources below.

    Spring/Summer 2018

    Google Home smart speaker in gray/white colors.

    Smart Speakers

    Alexa, Google, and Siri are the virtual assistants that make life easier for everyone, especially people with vision loss. 

    Read the original article or download the handout.

    The Many Voices of iPhone

    Make the iPhone easier on your eyes using VoiceOver & Speak Screen for text to speech, Dictation to replace typing for speech text, and Siri for voice commands.

    Read the original articles:

    Accessible TV

    Explore the options available for audible TV guides and menus, audio describing programming, and the use of voice commands from cable providers and streaming services.

    Read the event recap.

    Fall / Winter 2018

    Black headphones against a bright yellow background.

    Audio Description 

    Now available on-demand for Broadway shows, museum tours, at the movies, on TV and much more. Explore how this visual voice fills in the missing detail, vividly.

    Read the event recap.

    Electronic Glasses

    Take a closer look at wearable assistive devices, including IrisVision, OrCam, Jordy, eSight, Acesight and Aira, designed to help you see, read, work and navigate with vision loss.

    Read the event recap.

    App Happy

    The apps we love continue to improve and empower us to function better every day. Learn what’s new in our favorite apps and what’s coming up. 

    Read the event recap.

    OE Patients Features Assistive Technology At Empowering Event For People With Vision Loss

    In October 2018, we held an accessibility event featuring smart wearables for people with vision loss. Read about featured electronic glasses, the importance of persistence as a mindset, and the idea of finding a solution that fits your personal needs.

    Read the press release.

    Don’t Miss 2019 Events

    Graphic of OE Patients website displayed on desktop and iPhone.

    If you’re not already subscribed to expert tips and news from OE Patients, we encourage you to sign up. You’ll receive a welcome email, a monthly roundup of our best articles, and notifications for our future events. Already on our list? Forward to a friend, family member, or colleague! 

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  • OE Patients: Best Of 2018 Articles

    OE Patients: Best Of 2018 Articles

    This year, we created a roundup of our most popular articles on OE Patients. Our best-of list for 2018 covers technology, health, and tips for making adjustments — from the secret to mastering iPhone’s VoiceOver to accessibility at arts museums.

    We hope you’ll be inspired to develop a new skill or create a good habit for the fresh new year!

    Apple’s iPhone

    10 Things To Know About iPhone Accessibility For Vision

    The iPhone is quite possibly the most adopted device, ever, for people with vision loss. This is because it is accessible out-of-the-box, even if you can’t see the screen at all.

    Discover the top reasons for using the iPhone.

    Let iPhone’s VoiceOver Do The Reading

    Apple’s built-in screen reader was a game-changer for those living with vision loss. Our accessibility expert, Dorrie Rush, writes about the secret to mastering iPhone’s VoiceOver gestures — practice, practice, practice.

    Learn how to master VoiceOver.

    Microsoft

    “Seeing AI” Is A Gift from Microsoft

    We love Microsoft’s Seeing AI, a free, intelligent camera app that translates images into words for people with visual impairments and blindness. Here are four features we especially like.

    Learn more about Seeing AI.

    Microsoft Soundscape 2018, A Review of What It Can Do

    Our accessibility expert Dorrie Rush appreciates the enhanced narration and awareness provided by Microsoft Soundscape, a navigation tool for people with vision loss.

    Read the full review of Soundscape.

    Apps and Technology

    App Happy

    Discover a collection of wonderful apps that empower people with visual impairments in ways we could only once dream.

    Click for our recommended apps.

    Electronic Glasses Event Recap

    In October, OE Patients held an accessibility event on wearable devices for audiences with vision loss.  We took a closer look into head mounted products including: OrCam, IrisVision, Jordy and more.

    Explore featured electronic glasses.

    GoGo Grandparent Gets Uber Without An App

    For older adults who need to get an Uber or Lyft without an app or smartphone, GoGoGrandparent is perfect.

    Find out more about GoGo Grandparent.

    Making Adjustments and Health

    Doctor, Am I Going Blind?

    Every eye condition is different. Read our article by ophthalmologist Dr. Yale Fisher, to understand how vision loss caused by macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma rarely results in blindness.

    Learn more about vision across eye conditions.

    What Is A Cataract?

    Cataract is the leading cause of reversible blindness and vision loss in the world. Read more by Dr. Amilia Schrier, Director of Education at Manhattan Eye, Ear and Throat Hospital.

    Learn more about cataracts.

    Museums Making Art More Accessible

    From Florence to New York City, museums everywhere are making it easier for visitors who are visually impaired or blind to experience art.

    Find out how museums are opening up art.

  • Event Recap: Electronic Glasses

    Event Recap: Electronic Glasses

    Electronic Glasses Price Update was published February 27, 2020 as an update to the information in this event recap.

    On October 18, 2018, we took a closer look at a selection of wearable technology for low vision.

    This was a category met with great interest and we were pleased to have representatives to present and provide demos for IrisVision, OrCam, Jordy and Acesight. eSight and Aira were discussed, as well, and all products are recapped below.

    The conversations that evolve, at these events, are always interesting and informative. Before you read about and evaluate whether these products might be useful for you, here are some points to consider.

    It’s important to manage expectations. There are no magic glasses. How well these products can potentially help you is totally dependent on each individual and on remaining vision.

    Think about what specifically you want to do. Can the product help you continue to work or use your computer? Watch TV? Read books, magazines, newspapers? And is the cost of the device a worthwhile investment for this activity?

    If you’d like to share your thoughts and feedback, or ask a question, please send us an email to: [email protected], or post a comment on our Facebook page or message us on Twitter.

    Product Information

    IrisVision

    IrisVision
    IrisVision

    $2,500.
    web: irisvision.com
    email: [email protected]

    • goggles using a phone camera for magnifying
    • like electronic binoculars
    • 90-degreed field of view
    • visual device, not recommended for mobility
    • setting for limited peripheral field
    • simplified control settings
    • use for reading, TV, distance and reading by line
    • use for watching TV, movies, sporting events
    • freeze frame
    • 30-day return policy
    • lease to own option

    OrCam

    Orcam My Reader
    Orcam My Reader

    My Reader
    $3,500. wired
    $2,500. wireless
    web: orcam.com
    email: [email protected]

    • small camera that attaches to glasses
    • a device for reading, not for seeing
    • gesture to read selected text by pointing finger
    • reads signs, newspapers, books, magazines, mail, etc.
    OrCam My Eye
    OrCam My Eye

    My Eye
    $4,500. wireless
    $3,500. wired
    web: orcam.com
    email: [email protected]

    • same text-to-speech capability as OrCam My Reader (above) with added features
    • facial recognition can be programmed for up to 100 people
    • bar code scanner reads product details
    • currency identifier
    • programmable to identify favorite products
    • color ID
    • date & time
    • not yet hearing-aid-compatible

    Jordy by Enhanced Vision

    Jordy
    Jordy

    $3,695.
    web: enhancedvision.com
    email: [email protected]

    • fast refresh, no blurring video image
    • battery charge lasts 8 hours
    • simplified tactile controls
    • converts to CCTV with docking station
    • connects to cable box for TV watching
    • device for seeing, not mobility

    Acesight by Zoomax

    RevoSight
    Acesight

    $4,995.
    web: acesight.com
    email: [email protected]

    • design does not obstruct peripheral vision
    • 2 screens with 45-degree fields of view
    • high speed refreshes video images fast with no delay
    • magnifies to 15X
    • adjustable contrast or color mode
    • outlining feature highlights objects like doors frames, steps, etc.

    eSight

    $5,950 (as of January 2019)
    web: esighteyewear.com

    We discussed this product based on our OEPatients.org article, eSight Up Close.

    Aira

    web: aira.io

    A monthly subscriptions starts at $89 for 100 minutes.

    • connect to trained agent
    • 120-degree view of where you are
    • connect with smart glasses or smartphone app
    • applicable at home, shopping, travel, etc.
    • fee-free guest locations available including: AT&T, Wegmans, and a network of airports, with more supermarkets, retailers and transportation terminals, on the way

    To learn more about Aira, read our latest review on the service, Aira at the Airport.

    Originally published on October 25, 2018 and updated on January 28, 2019.