Tags: AiPoly, Bespecular, image recognition apps, iPhone, KNFB Reader, Nantmobile, Tap Tap See
I often get asked about text, object and image recognition apps for iPhones and iPads. Recently, fully sighted people have even asked because of the release of AiPoly 2.0 and all the press it received. So, I thought I would review some of the more popular apps in this area. Here we go!
Let’s start with AiPoly as it is the reason for so much interest in recognition. Version 2.0 is a huge jump from the first version of this app. That being said, there are two things that you should know about the app. First, many of the apps features require you to pay a subscription fee. Second, the app, while very fast, is still not real accurate. The AiPoly app is a free download from the App Store so, it won’t cost you anything to try the app’s free features.
The app I use the most for object identification is Bespecular. What makes this app so good is the ability to send a question along with the picture of the object I want identified. BeSpecular app is free in the App Store.
Tap Tap See is an old favorite. You take a picture, and in about 30 to 60 seconds, you receive a description of the picture. Tap Tap See is probably the simplest recognition program to use. I often use it to identify the color and pattern of clothes. The Tap Tap See app is free in the app store.
The KNFB Reader app is the most costly of these recognition apps, but it is well worth the price. Take a picture of any print material, or pull up a scanned image PDF file, and KNFB Reader will read the text. You can take pictures of slides on a PowerPoint or a store sign if you are within 25 feet and this app will read it back to you. The KNFB Reader app can be purchased in the App Store for $99.99.
Finally, there is Nantmobile. This app is a currency identifier and works the same as the LookTell money reader. It is fast and easy to use. Simply start the app and place a bill in front of your rear camera. The Nantmobile app is free in the App Store.
David is the Manager of Assistive Technology Training at Second Sense.
Great intro thank you. I’m looking incorporate some tech to make grocery shopping easier for anyone who finds supermarkets bewildering. The app could have a shopping list preloaded with images and use this to create AR via a camera, that helps shoppers find items. Any thoughts or pointers here? Thanks