OrCam introduces AI assistant to transform reading for people with visual impairments
Assistive technology specialist OrCam Technologies has introduced an interactive AI assistant to its OrCam Read 3 device, enabling it to function as a handheld reading companion, smart magnifier, and a stationary reader.
OrCam Read 3, which was launched last year, offers an all-in-one solution in assistive reading technology tailored specifically to support people with vision loss or reading fatigue and throughout vision changes.
The AI assistant includes the “Just Ask” feature on its popular OrCam Read 3 device which enables the user to interact with the device and ask it follow up questions related to the text being read and beyond.
It can summarise any captured text, particularly useful when users need a quick understanding of longer articles or documents without reading every word, imitating the natural way people interact with text.
It can also read the full text aloud, which is beneficial for users who need complete information from legal documents, comprehensive reports or reading books for pleasure.
The OrCam Read 3 has been designed to revolutionise the way people with vision loss interact with visual content including pictures and text. The “Just Ask” feature is distinguished in its ability to provide contextual information.
Users can make queries related to the text, extending beyond the captured words— for instance, if a user is reading about a historical figure, they might request a biography.
OrCam Read 3 responds by leveraging internet resources to furnish the user with the requested information, thus serving not just as a reader, but as an interactive tool that delivers an enriched knowledge experience.
This capacity to interact with text and provide responses makes it more than just a magnifier or a simple document reader; it effectively turns into a powerful reference tool that can enhance the users’ understanding and connection with the content they are engaging with.
For those with visual impairments, it represents a significant enhancement in their ability to independently access a wider range of information and enjoy a deeper reading experience.
In addition to its advanced AI capabilities, the OrCam Read 3 also includes standard magnifier features, allowing users to zoom in on text and other visual elements to enhance readability and accessibility.
This versatile combination of magnification and AI-powered text recognition and interpretation makes the OrCam Read 3 a comprehensive and user-friendly tool for individuals with visual impairments or reading fatigue.
When used as a handheld reading companion, OrCam Read 3 retains all the benefits of the original OrCam Read, redesigned with easy-to-navigate yellow buttons and new voice options. Instantly read printed or digital text from any surface, at home or on the go.
Professor Amnon Shashua, Co-Founder at OrCam, says, “Advancements in AI are not merely a matter of technological evolution; they represent a significant shift in how we interact with our world. With the right application, AI can extend human capabilities, open new prospects for innovation, and create a landscape where technology and humanity progress in harmony.”
OrCam Technologies has become known for its breakthrough innovations in assistive technology platforms, including the OrCam MyEye wearable device for people who are blind or visually impaired and the OrCam Learn handheld device, supporting people with dyslexia and learning difficulties.
The company remains focused on continuous research and development to help users maximise their potential with personal AI assistance that provides new access to the world.
The OrCam Read 3 is designed to support 140 different languages of printed text and nine different handwritten text. It is now available in the UK directly from OrCam and from Optelec, VisionAid and Touchpoint Vision, together with other independent resellers.
