People with hearing loss can enjoy music using “smart hat technology.” Why can’t people with hearing loss or permanent deafness engage in conversations around them? Augmented Reality (AR) glasses technology is now making this possible. AI-powered glasses will aid individuals to see conversations with real-time subtitles around them. This technology will allow users to rewind subtitles from past conversions.
Co-founder of XRAI Glass technology, Dan Sarfe, shares the story of his deaf grandfather. He disconnected from family conversations but would spend time watching subtitled movies.
The technology is a collaborative product of XRAI smart glasses and Nreal (Augmented Reality glasses manufacturer).
How does the technology aid the deaf to see conversations?
The glasses are built with a microphone that detects audio and transmits the signals wirelessly to the mobile phone via an app. The app created by Nreal software converts the audio signals into closed captions and projects the text captions to the user’s sight.
The user sees the conversation and can follow through on a one-on-one chat. The app translates into nine different languages in real time. This feature will only be available to premium subscribers.
The data is stored on the user’s mobile phone for privacy purposes instead of the company’s conversation cloud storage.
Currently, the AR glasses are being used in small numbers to test their marketability. The company expects to reach a general availability by September this year.
The Nreal app supports Android 14 phones but is not compatible with iPhones. A compatible version will soon be available for iPhone users.
Although the AR glasses technology offers a life-changing experience, there are still limitations; users face the challenge of multiple transcriptions when people speak over one another in a group. Users then need help to identify a speaker statement and understand discussions.
For now, this technology works best in a quiet environment.
Another challenge is wearing the AR glasses all day. And how flexible is the cost?
Join the conversation; follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter at GoSpeedHub.
Photo By Nikkei Asia
