Novartis released new features for its ViaOpta apps that can help visually impaired people get around their neighborhood or any other neighborhood around the world. The software works with Apple and Android smartwatches and is designed to provide turn-by-turn directions to users walking toward their destination. Using vibrations and voice commands the app keeps the person on track, while easy to use controls allow the user to save favorite locations, find landmarks, or choose to navigate to a nearby bakery.
The system also shares the GPS location of the user with friends and family, allowing blind people to explore on their own in unfamiliar environments without fear of getting seriously lost. When strolling around, the app has access to OpenStreetMaps that provide information on nearby points of interest, street crossings, and public lavatories.
There are a couple visual recognition features as well, including the ability to point the smart device’s camera at an object to have the app guess what it is, as well as photographing an entire scene and getting feedback on what kind of environment it is.
Here’s a quick demo video of the new ViaOpta features from Novartis:
iTunes: ViaOpta Nav…
Google play: ViaOpta Nav…
Source: Novartis Pharmaceuticals…