Being sight-challenged in a world immersed in physical and visual stimuli is no easy feat. Visually impaired furniture maker, Hans Jorgen Wilberg understood the challenges being faced and in 2012 the journey of the Be My Eyes app began. Be My Eyes is a free app with one purpose: to make the globe more accessible to persons who are blind or have limited vision. Using live video feed, the app links blind and low-vision people with sighted volunteers from all around the world.
Summary of Be My Eyes App
Be My Eyes is a free smartphone app for Android. Launched in 2015 Be My Eyes attracted over 200 billion volunteers who signed up to assist this project; to help the visually challenged. Be My Eyes users can request help in over 100 languages, creating the largest online community for blind and low-vision people.
Features of Be My Eyes App
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Be My Eyes app serves two types of users: the Blind or Low-Vision user and the Sighted user. Let’s take a look at how the app works for each:
How the app works for Blind or Low-Vision Users
The app connects you to a worldwide network of sighted volunteers, who are prepared and willing to help you at any time. There are over 100 million volunteers and more than a hundred languages available, making this service global. Any time of day, as many times as you need, there are volunteers waiting to help you with your visual needs. Most calls are answered within seconds! Here are just a few ways the app can help:
- Finding lost things
- Describing a picture or object
- Reading the fine print of food labels on instruction manuals
- Help shopping for groceries
- Navigating public roads, buses, airports, and train stations
- Chatting with like-minded people
How the app works for Sighted Users
If a blind or low-vision Be My Eyes user needs your help, you’ll receive a notification on your phone. If you’re the primary volunteer to answer the request, you will be connected to the user. A unidirectional video association is established between the two of you, which means you’ll be able to see wherever or what the blind or low-vision user points their camera at and guide him or her accordingly.
Pros of Be My Eyes App
- The app is only 76.4MB in size.
- The only routine maintenance is to enable the app to be updated when the developer releases updates.
- You have the ability to pause the video at any point to observe things more clearly.
- Performs well on Wi-Fi at home and when using cellular data.
Cons of Be My Eyes App
- Because the App uses video and audio, data consumption outside the home may be an issue for individuals with limited data plans.
- Your Assistant is chosen randomly.
- You are not able to choose who you work with.
- You are wholly at the mercy of “helpful strangers” to navigate the world around you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Be My Eyes App
- Is Be My Eyes app free?
Yes, Be My Eyes app is a free app. You are only required to register to personalize your user experience.
Install Be My Eyes App for Android
You can install the Be My Eyes app for your Android device from Google Play Store. Some of the factors to consider while downloading are as follows:
- Check your Android device
Although the app is easy to download and install, ensure sufficient space on your device before you begin downloading.
- Creating a profile
Once you have installed the app, you must create a profile to make it easier for you to access the features and programs that interest you.
How to Install Be My Eyes App
The best way to install the Be My Eyes app is to go to Google Play Store. Type “Be My Eyes” in the search bar and click “Install”. Once the download begins, you will need to follow the instructions to complete the download.
What’s new to Be My Eyes App?
Professionals with disabilities can now get employment help through Be My Eyes app. January 2022, Be My Eyes partner with the Blind Institute of Technology, a nonprofit staffing and recruitment agency for disabled technology professionals around the globe. BIT Academy is the only approved training provider by Salesforce.com for people with disabilities.
Conclusion
Hans Jorgen Wilberg’s vision for Be My Eyes was clear “It’s my hope that by helping each other as an online community, Be My Eyes will make a big difference in the everyday lives of blind people all over the world.” Judging from the fact that over 1 million people have downloaded the app from Google Play, and the app has received a rating of 4.5 out of 5.0. it is safe to say that the founder achieved his goals.
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