I'm just curious what everyone is using and what's better.
From my perspective, the things I would use the smart glasses for (reading text, seeing what's in front of me, and Aira) I could easily do for the 300 dollars and don't need to spend 2,300 on it. I always just also assumed they do the same thing.
What are you all using? What is your experience? Also, do you need a subscription for invision?
Comments
From a certain Meta View
Hi there,
While I have not used the Envision glasses, I do own a pair of Meta Ray-Bans. There is so much functionality in this device, a device keep in mind, that was not intentionally meant for the visually impaired. As to what I use my Ray-Bans for, I do things like read text such as cooking instructions and ingredients on food packages, snail mail that I receive, and other documentation that comes my way. I also use the Meta AI feature to describe scenes, such as if I need to find a particular room number, like in a doctor's office for example, or need to find that blue car in a parking lot, because that may be my Lyft ride, or if I want to know how much time is left on a washer or dryer in my apartment high rise, as they have digital displays.
I am also a gamer, and have very recently started using my Meta Ray-Bans to record gameplay footage, and then I use another app (PiccyBot) to audio describe said videos.
The Meta Ray-bans are also really great for making phone calls and/or texting friends. Also, with both Aira and Be My Eyes now on Meta Ray-Bans, who needs the Envision glasses?
Finally, sometimes I just use my Metas as a Bluetooth headset, to listen to books on Audible, or audio described videos on Netflix.
Last, but certainly not least, I paid less than $100 for my Ray-Bans. Link to that below and also a link to a similar thread to this one, with some replies that may interest you.
https://applevis.com/forum/assistive-technology/envision-glasses-versus-or-addition-meta-glasses
https://applevis.com/forum/assistive-technology/meta-smartglasses-vision-insurance
Depends where you are
If you're not in one of the lucky countries which supports the look command the Meta glasses are a big no. I'm in the UK and I was tempted to get them until I found out that functionality was limited to certain countries not including here.
Not trying to inject this complaint into every subject, just a disclaimer because it's a big deal breaker if the OP is in the wrong part of the world.
It's a hard one
Hello,
Work bought me the Envision glasses with a lifetime free upgrades so I'll never have to pay anything. No way I could nor would have paid the full price. However, in saying that with AI now being what it is you do get quite a lot for your money. They do have the ability to read columns for newspaper reading etc, they do distinguish different currencies, they do have ask a companion which is basically aira but for whom you choose to use. So, family for example. Now, with Envision Ally being added even in beta form live descriptions are there. this presumably will only get better. Text reading in general is a given and you can even batch read so upload a book I'm guessing but I've never tried that. Even the ability for the glasses to tell you when a document is correctly placed for better results exists. But, these were developed specifically for the vi community. Was tempted with meta but with all the issues around point and ask etc thought stick with what works. What I would say is if the Envision Glasses were £400 or less in the UK they would be a decent option. Oh and cosmetically maybe not as cool.
Glasses
Those who are made for just blind people do not last. Universal tech is better. Hoping Apple does one, it willl be cool.
Glasses
Those who are made for just blind people do not last. Universal tech is better. Hoping Apple does one, it willl be cool.
Glasses
Those who are made for just blind people do not last. Universal tech is better. Hoping Apple does one, it willl be cool.
A Question for Holger
Hi Holger,
When submitting your last comment, did you encounter any issues? We are trying to pin down why comments are being duplicated.
Thanks,
Michael
Michael Hansen
Just freezing on the web page. it took several minutes to refresh.
Thanks @Holger
Hi Holger,
Thank you for the information, this will help us and our tech team to isolate the issue.
Best,
Michael
Michael Hansen
It looks like is no longer unless this message have issues.
Early days
We don't presently know if mainstream companies will stick with the smart glasses thing but in general yes they have a better chance than specialised accessibility companies. Remember Spotify's in car player lasted barely a year before they abandoned it.