Microsoft has released an app that uses AI to help blind people know what is going on in the world around them. Seeing AI has a number of different channels that users can switch between, and then the app will provide a narrative feedback of what is going on in front of them.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bqeQByqf_f8

Using AI, the app promises to read out text, provide audio guidance for scanning printing pages, scan grocery items and then even offer instructions on how to use them. Most impressively, Seeing AI should be able to recognize friends, describe them to the user, and even indicate their emotional state.

There is a whole host of tutorial videos available on Microsoft’s website. If you know anybody with vision issues, you should share this with them immediately, as it could open up a whole new world to them.

Seeing AI is a great new take on AR that could positively affect the lives of millions. As is the case with most AR tech, however, the technology will be even more useful when it works directly with glasses rather than the camera of your phone.

The app is currently only available on iOS in the US, but we’re currently trying to find out when it will get a wider release and if it is going to come to Android anytime soon.

Update: This service is now also available in the UK and Australia