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Google Glass and the blind market
Transcript
18 May 2014
Roberta: Once thought the stuff of science fiction, smart glasses that put the digital world right in front of your eyes are becoming a reality. A new project from Telstra is seeing apps for Google Glass changed the lives of people with disability. And here to tell us more is Online Editor for Media Access Australia, Eliza Cussen. Welcome Eliza.
Eliza: Hi Roberta.
Roberta: We have talked about Google Glass on the program before, but to refresh our memories could you tell us just what it is?
Eliza: Sure. Well basically Google Glass is a brand new type of device. It’s like a smart phone but shaped like a pair of glasses. I think it’s the best way to explain it. So it’s a pair of smart glasses. So these are designed for you to see through, connect to the internet, and control with voice commands. In a similar way to people using Siri on an iPhone.
Roberta: Now what kind of application does this have for blind and vision impaired people?
Eliza: Well this is where it gets really exciting. As with most devices the joy comes from the apps that people make for it. And as the apps for vision impairment go, the sky is the limit with this device. The potential is just astounding. And of course the voice activated nature of Google Glass makes it perfectly suited for a blind or vision impaired person, even though that wasn’t the original intention of it. So Google has started to release the product to developers so that they can start to make apps and software for it, and we’re starting to see some really interesting projects. And as you said in the intro, one of these has been sponsored by Telstra, here in Australia, and a company called b2cloud has developed an app which basically turns Google Glass into a voice activated OCR camera. So they’ve released a little promotional video and in it we see Kelly Schultz, who’s a Telstra worker who’s blind. She uses Google Glass to identify things like bank notes and tell the difference between, in the video she’s choosing between standard frozen peas and minted peas in the supermarket.
Roberta: Gosh.
Eliza: And the Google Glass it reads the packaging, identifies the difference, and announces it, “This is a packet of minted peas”. I know.
Roberta: This is great.
Eliza: I had goosebumps watching it, Roberta.
Roberta: I’ll bet.
Eliza: Well Google Glass will also be able to help with navigation and orientation. So as we’ve talked about lots of times on the show before, Google Maps provides turn by turn navigation for pedestrians, which I’m sure a lot of listeners are already making use of, getting around the city. And Google Glass being able to recognise things like buildings you’re standing in front of it will be able to tell you exactly where you are in the real world. So this is the game changer.
Roberta: What are the benefits of something like this over specialist technology made just for the blind market?
Eliza: So for me the magic of this is that it is a mainstream technology. It’s something that’s been marketed to everyone, but also happens to have huge benefits for disabled people. And I think this is really the future. Rather than creating specialist devices that are very expensive, that only blind people can use, it’s about making mainstream technology applicable to blind people. And so that means that it isn’t just the tool for access, it’s a tool for inclusion. And what we really need to work hard to do is get app developers realising the value a device like this and helping to realise its potential for the blind and vision impaired markets.
Roberta: Now the big question: how much does it cost, and how do we get our hands on it?
Eliza: I cringe when you ask me this Roberta. I’m afraid these little beauties are harder to come by than hot cross buns in Spring. Yeah. Google, there’s a real aura of mystery around this. It’s all very James Bond. Google has only released a few hundred of them through the Glass Explorer program, which is currently only open to Americans. I’ve actually only ever seen one in the wild, so to speak, and that was in San Francisco, so I’m pretty sure the man wearing it was in fact a Google employee. Eventually these will be available in Australia. It is a matter of time. And we’re expecting a price tag somewhere in the ballpark of $2,500. It is still a hefty investment for sure but I think it’s one that could be worth considering for a lot of people.
Roberta: Well to find out more about access to media and technology visit Media Access Australia website, that’s mediaaccess.org.au, or call the office with any questions 02 9212 6242. I’ve been speaking with Eliza Cussen, Online Editor for Media Access Australia. Media Access Australia is a supporter of this program.