Advertisement
Sections
Google Lookout is an app that recognises objects for the visually impaired
The app is currently available only for Pixel phone users in the US.

Last year at the I/O conference, Google announced that it is working on an app called Lookout, which will be dedicated to the visually impaired. Now, months later, the app has been rolled out for Pixel phone users in the US. As of now, it is unclear when Google will roll out the app on other hardware besides the Pixel phones.While Google says that ever since the announcement it has been testing and improving the app, it is still soliciting feedback from early users. [caption id="attachment_6258831" align="alignnone" width="1024"]
Lookout app.[/caption]In order to use the Lookout app, Google suggests that users wear their phone around their neck in a lanyard or place it in their phone pocket so that the phone's camera can get an unobstructed view, and identify all objects in the way of the user. Once you’ve opened the Lookout app, all you have to do is keep your phone pointed forward. You won’t have to tap through any further buttons within the app.Essentially, the app assists those with visual impairments by giving out audible cues about text, objects and people around them using the camera on their device.Google explains that the app "draws upon similar underlying technology as Google Lens, which lets you search and take action on the objects around you, simply by pointing your phone."
Lookout app.[/caption]In order to use the Lookout app, Google suggests that users wear their phone around their neck in a lanyard or place it in their phone pocket so that the phone's camera can get an unobstructed view, and identify all objects in the way of the user. Once you’ve opened the Lookout app, all you have to do is keep your phone pointed forward. You won’t have to tap through any further buttons within the app.Essentially, the app assists those with visual impairments by giving out audible cues about text, objects and people around them using the camera on their device.Google explains that the app "draws upon similar underlying technology as Google Lens, which lets you search and take action on the objects around you, simply by pointing your phone."First Published:Mar 14, 2019, 14:38:06 IST
Advertisement
Advertisement

Why AI notetakers are raising serious privacy and security concerns
AI notetakers promise effortless meeting summaries, but experts warn they could expose confidential conversations, corporate secrets and personal voiceprints. As businesses increasingly adopt AI-powered meeting assistants, questions over data storage, privacy, consent and legal risks are becoming impossible to ignore
5 min read
China's low-cost AI models are changing the global AI race. Here's why Silicon Valley is worried
As Chinese firms continue to improve performance while keeping prices low, the AI race is no longer just about building the smartest model—it is increasingly becoming a battle over who can deliver the best value
2 min read
China's Kimi K3 challenges US AI leaders with frontier-level performance at lower cost
Chinese artificial intelligence startup Moonshot AI has unveiled its latest open-weight AI model, Kimi K3, with early results suggesting it could compete with some of the world's most advanced AI systems developed by leading US companies
2 min read
How did Instagram run ads promoting child abuse in India?
India has issued a notice to Meta after an investigation alleged that Instagram displayed paid advertisements promoting child sexual abuse material. MeitY ordered Meta to remove such Instagram ads and explain within seven days how they were approved
8 min read
Why has India halted WhatsApp’s username feature before launch?
India has halted WhatsApp’s planned username feature, citing concerns about cybercrime, impersonation, and law enforcement challenges. As Meta races to address security concerns, here’s why MeitY has paused the rollout, what the feature does, and how it could influence privacy and online safety in India
3 min read
Advertisement
Advertisement
