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Microsoft Soundscape

3D Audio Map for the Visually Impaired



Quick evaluation by Jutta Miroiu-Dunker
- IT Coordinator at Malta Society of the Blind -
April 2020

I just learned about Soundscape. This app, which is currently available for iOS (iPhone, iPad) only, sounds like a new dimension in developments for visually impaired people  to find their way when they are out and about.

The idea is to receive 3D audio signals via an audio headset while walking around. One would set audio beacons and get information about the location of the desired destination as well as on significant points on the way. This kind of information could, e.g., include info on parking lots, shops, gardens, and even steps..., 

This is probably more worthwhile for the techies around o check further into and have it tried out on an iPhone or iPad. 

For now, the app seems to be available in USA, Canada and UK. 

More information can be found at the following links: 
Microsoft Research 
Microsoft Soundscape Features

DETAILS

Current Version

2.2.1

Updated

Apr 1, 2020 

We have some useful changes in this release to make your use of the audio be

Installations

n/a


Operating System

iOS
12.0 or later

Size

257.9M

Price

FREE

Download

iOS: App Store

WeZoom

Magnifier and Low Vision Aid for Android
Great Magnifier

I just found WeZoom, a really nice, clean magnification app to support people with low vision.. 

The app was developped by visually impaired persons for visually impaired persons, and they decided to give it to the public for FREE.
Quick evaluation by Jutta Miroiu-Dunker
- IT Coordinator at Malta Society of the Blind -
March 2020


PROs

No ads & no 
No cluttering extra
Easy zoom-in / zoom-out
Several color filters
Freeze picture option
Share photo option
Adjustable settings


CONs

./.


DETAILS

Current Version

2.0.3

Updated

January 6, 2020

Installations

10,000+




Operating System

Android
4.2 and up

Size

2.0M

Price

FREE no ads

Download

Android: Google Play

Envision AI

Text and Handwriting Recognition and mucn more...
Good Tool

Envision AI is just the best app I could find until now. Reads my documents, even handwritten notes, in various languages. I love this app. 

Envision AI is also available for Apple and can be downloaded from the App Store. The Apple version is even more advanced.

 Quick evaluation by Jutta Mirou-Dunker
- IT Coordinator at Malta Society of the Blind -
March 2020


PROs

Automatic multi-lingual text recognition & speech output
(for Latin letters based languages and using your installed TTS engine)
Instant text recognition via camera
Recognition of even odd font styles
Handwriting recognition with pretty good results
Document recognition (via capture photo)
Share, Copy & Save of recognized text in Document mode
Face recognition
Online and Offline recognition options
Recognition of text on digital displays (TV, monitor, etc.


CONs

Scene recognition leaves space for improvments
Some annoying sound while processing 

DETAILS

Current Version

1.3.9

Updated

March 30, 2020

Installations

50,000+




Operating System

Android -5.0 and up
iOS - 10.0 or later 

Size

Varies with device

Price

FREE 
in-app purchase / subscriptions

Download

Android: Google Play 
iOS: App Store