/PRCWT/Guangzhou, May 22, 2023——Google is no stranger to accessibility. The tech giant recently released the Lookout app, which uses AI to help users who are blind or have low vision navigate their surroundings. But now, Google is taking accessibility to the next level by upgrading the accessibility app.
Google’s AI can now answer your questions about images
Google updated its Lookout app to include an “image question and answer” feature that provides context for uncaptioned images (via Engadget). The feature uses DeepMind-developed AI to elaborate on descriptions of images that lack captions or alt text.
“Now, whether or not images have no captions or alt text, Lookout can process the image and provide a description of it — then people can use their voice or type to ask questions and have a more detailed understanding of what’s in an image,” Google noted in a statement.
For instance, if you see a photo of a dog, you can ask via voice or text whether the dog looks playful.
The feature is currently in testing mode with a limited number of people with visual disabilities. Google noted it has plans to release the upgrade publicly soon.
Google Maps also now displays wheelchair-accessible labels
The upgrade to Lookout is merely one of Google’s recent accessibility updates. The company also upgraded Google Maps to display wheelchair-accessible labels, which are now available to everyone.
This means that before you go to a certain place, you’ll be able to see whether it has a step-free entrance, indicated by a wheelchair icon.
If a location doesn’t have an accessible entrance, you’ll see an alert for that too, as well as options for other accessibility measures.
These updates are another step in the right direction for Google to further improve accessibility and provide independence for people with vision-related disabilities.
