AI smart glasses give blind users new independence
Privacy and reliability concerns temper enthusiasm for AI-powered assistive glasses.
Smart glasses powered by AI give people with vision loss new ways to navigate daily life, from cooking to crossing the street.
Users like Andrew Tutty in Ontario say the devices restore independence, helping with tasks such as identifying food or matching clothes. Others, like Emilee Schevers, rely on them to confirm traffic signals before crossing the road.
The AI glasses, developed by Meta, are cheaper than many other assistive devices, which can cost thousands. They connect to smartphones, using voice commands and apps like Be My Eyes to describe surroundings or link with volunteers.
Experts, however, caution that the glasses come with significant privacy concerns. Built-in cameras stream everything within view to large tech firms, raising questions about surveillance, data use and algorithmic reliability.
Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!
