Technology gives disabled new abilities

The device has three basic functions - providing text recognition, photo description and real-time video calls, helping visually-impaired people to see the world. Users can direct their phone's camera at the texts or photos, and the text recognition function will activate the artificial intelligence to recognize and read the contents for them. According to Siu, privacy can also be protected, with other people unable to read bank statements or personal letters appearing on the screen.

When artificial intelligence fails to read the texts or photos due to complexity, users can use a "photo description" function, in which registered volunteer users of the app can read the pictures posted by the visually impaired. Everyone can register as a volunteer and offer his or her help at any time, says Siu. If all these functions fail, users can also make a real-time video call so that volunteers can offer direct help.

InnoSpire Technology is also developing intelligent glasses called "WeVoice Glasses" that can help users to operate the text recognition, photo description and video-call functions easily. For instance, it might be inconvenient for visually-impaired people to use the app on a rainy day while holding an umbrella or a cane, making it difficult for them to grasp the phone. Users can then put on the "WeVoice Glasses" and press the button on them to take photos, or call volunteers via Bluetooth.

The product is still being tested and will be available next year. Siu plans to price it at about HK$5,000, or just one-tenth the price of "smart glasses" in the market.

Siu has organized more than 30 workshops and 10 seminars at universities, enterprises and nongovernmental organizations so far to recruit volunteers and teach visually-impaired people how to use the app. The number of users has gone up from 100 since its launch in 2020 to more than 5,000 over the past year, with enlisted volunteers exceeding 200.

Siu says he will continue to upgrade the app's functions and market the device on the Chinese mainland, Taiwan and worldwide, enabling more disabled people to benefit from the technological creation.