Exciting Update for Tech Enthusiasts: ARx AI Wearable Camera Now $200 Off!

I think, although I could be wrong, this thing has Seeing AI and all that built in to a phone you get with it but the huge downside, at least for me, is the cable you need to use with the glasses.

I just don't like the idea of putting a cable down my shirt or something to wair something else.

Why in the world in 2024 would you develop an expensive device then make it wired. Would be so simple to make it bluetooth capable and suddenly many people put off by wires maybe interested. Don't get it.

If I understand correctly, this is a $600 or $800 device that's essentially an accessory for your phone? No way! Give me a pair of glasses for $100 to $200 I can pair with my Pixel and use with Be My Eyes, Aira, Seeing AI, and Google Lookout. This should become especially useful once Be My Eyes finally gets the video AI feature working. However, I'm not buying an extremely expensive accessory, just like I'm not buying the Apple or Pixel Watches.

Then maybe.

I think the reason it is wired is that I guess it makes the device a lot cheaper and lighter. I might be wrong but I think it was designed to compete with things like Envision.

It does feel like the world has moved on a little. But I would still really like OCR in my Meta glasses please.

While I absolutely agree that the cost for "just another accessory" is a bit, daunting, I would like to offer some insight regarding the 'wired vs wireless' issue. As we all know by now, there is something to be said about latency when using Bluetooth devices. Is Bluetooth convenient? Yes. is it expected, even anticipated, that all of our devices communicate wirelessly via Bluetooth?

Of course it is. The problem is everybody wants accurate, instantly gratifying results, in realtime, all while using wireless tech. That, too, is expected, even anticipated. yet you are never going to get that with Bluetooth. Note that I did not say not ever, just not with Bluetooth.

Having said all of that, is a wired assistive device really a deal breaker? I am not necessarily referring to this camera device, but think on this. . .

If someone designed, perfected, and distributed the most innovative pair of wearable tech, such as Smart Glasses, that did everything you could ever want, with an absolutely affordable price tag, with the only "downside" being that they were wired, would you (really) say no? 😑

Someone start integrating those gopros and other cameras in these Seeing AI apps. We don't want dedicated hardware when good one already exists.
Those cameras also come with their own eco system of attachments, accessories and more widely social acceptance. Someone might think I am just vlogging, when I could be getting rich AI descriptions of things around me.

I’m waiting for all these AI advancements to show up on the Apple Vision Pro, honestly wouldn’t mind an apple vision light, with a lot worse screen, this way, we could have something main stream that we could get more use out of that a dedicated pair of AI glasses.

@Brian That would be great! As long as the wire isn't too inconvenient while moving around, I'd prefer the more reliable connection. Another advantage of a wired solution is the lack of a battery. I hate batteries, so if we could get some cheap wired glasses that draw power from the connected phone, that would be even better!

Yes, the battery issue can be frustrating at times. It hurts my head when people immediately dismiss a piece of tech just because it is not wireless. Wireless can be beneficial, but is not the end all, be all when it comes to connectivity.

Hell, just ask any online gamer. 🙂

Is it not possible to have a camera like this on iOS? I don't know.

why can't we have an option that works both ways? Say, connect using USB when in an indoor setting; reading etc, and use bluetooth/wifi when travelling etc. I guess it depends a lot on the use-case what method of connection I would prefer...

That would be ideal, actually. 🙆

ARxVision is a leading innovator in wearable assistive technology. Their ARx AI Gen1.5 wearable headset, known for its integration with Microsoft’s SeeingAI app, is gaining popularity in the blind community. We are looking forward to exploring the integration of Aira’s visual interpreting services with these smart glasses. 
“We are excited to integrate ARx AI Gen1.5 with Aira, enhancing our service through more access to wearable smart glasses for Explorers,” said Troy Otillio, CEO of Aira. “This collaboration will provide hands-free calls with Aira and improved access to visual interpreting, reinforcing our commitment to innovation and independence.”
A grey background behind a ARx AI Gen1.5 wearable headset. The headset is black and the left end has a square shaped microphone. The right end has a rectangular shaped earpiece with white buttons: a square, a circle, and a triangle shape. Below the earpiece is a black cord hanging down out of frame.
 The ARx AI Gen1.5 wearable headset
“With the integration of ARx into the Aira app, we are empowering our users with even more tools to navigate their daily lives with confidence,” said Charles Leclercq, CEO of ARxVision. “This partnership brings together the best of assistive technology and professional visual interpreting, providing unprecedented support for the blind and low vision community.”
“RNIB (Royal National Institute of Blind People) has been involved in partnership work to develop and launch the ARx AI. We’re excited Aira is part of the next phase of the evolution of ARx,” said Dave Williams, Inclusive Design Ambassador for RNIB. “Blind and partially sighted people increasingly rely on apps and new technology to access education, employment, and leisure opportunities. Creating a truly ‘hands free’ experience while connecting with professional visual interpreters is a major step towards greater independence at home, at work and when travelling.”
For the initial pilot program, Aira is looking for existing users of the ARx glasses, and Explorers familiar with using Aira. The Aira android app is currently compatible with the ARx AI Gen1.5 and will not require the ARx iOS adapter. Please note that ARx users that have an iPhone will need to purchase the ARx iOS adapter, which will launch in the coming weeks. This adapter ensures full compatibility and optimal performance with the Aira app on iPhone 15 and above.

This is hte first I've herd of iOs and this camera.

If this camera could actually do everything that a cane could do and more, I would consider it, especially if an extended warranty was offered. For many reasons, especially being a parent, it would make it so much easier if I had a device that could replace the cane, while having the same functionality as one, especially a device that would be hands-free.