Google Releases New App Called Lookout To Assist Blind People

Last year, Google made an announcement on its new app to assist people who are visually impaired called Lookout. The app utilizes AI for objects identification through the camera of your phone. It is also capable of reading texts in labels and signs, identify currencies, and scan barcodes.

After much anticipation, finally this week, Lookout will be available for download, but only for Pixel devices within the US.

Since the app’s announcement in 2018, Google says that the company has been putting the app into tests as well as improving its quality.

Google also forewarned that, because this app utilizes all new technology, the results might not always 100% perfect, but it is asking for early users’ feedback.

To use Lookout, the company advises users to attach their Pixel device to a lanyard and wear it around their neck. Or users can also put in their shirt or coat’s front pocket. By doing this, the camera on the phone will have an unobstructed view and identify text and objects “in situations where people might typically have to ask for help.”

There are three modes for specific situations. Explore mode is used for new setting navigation as it helps users navigate their surroundings.

Shopping mode is for reading currency or scanning barcodes.

And Quick Read mode can be used when users want to take a quick look at something by just pointing their phones at the text.

Lookout is not the first app from a big tech firm utilizing the power of AI into helping people who are visually impaired. Back in 2017, Microsoft launched Seeing AI which has very similar functionality.

This week, Redmond company made an announcement on a Seeing AI’s update which, by using haptic feedback, allows users to sense the shape of an object on the screen of their phones.