Google isn’t any stranger to accessibility. The tech large not too long ago launched the Lookout app, which makes use of AI to assist customers who’re blind or have low imaginative and prescient navigate their environment. However now, Google is taking accessibility to the subsequent degree by improve accessibility software.
Google’s AI can now reply your questions on photographs
Google has up to date its Lookout app to incorporate an “picture query and reply” characteristic that gives context for photographs with out captions (by way of be a part of). This characteristic makes use of AI developed by DeepMind to construct descriptions of photographs that lack captions or alt textual content.
“Now, whether or not a picture has captions or alt textual content, Lookout can course of the picture and supply an outline of it — folks can then use voice or enter. them to ask questions and acquire a extra detailed understanding of what is within the photographs,” Google famous in an announcement.
For instance, in the event you see a photograph of a canine, you may ask by way of voice or textual content if the canine appears to be like glad.
This characteristic is at present in beta with a restricted variety of visually impaired folks. Google notes that it plans to launch the improve publicly quickly.
Google Maps now additionally exhibits wheelchair labels
The improve to Lookout is only one of Google’s current accessibility updates. The corporate has additionally upgraded Google Maps to indicate wheelchair labels, which are actually accessible to everybody.
Which means earlier than you arrive at a sure place, you can see if the place has a stepless entrance, indicated by the wheelchair icon.
If a location does not have accessible entry, you will additionally see a warning about that, in addition to choices for different accessibility measures.
These updates are one other step in the suitable course for Google to additional enhance accessibility and produce independence to folks with vision-related disabilities.