CES is the biggest consumer electronics show in the world where products for the accessibility sector are become increasingly prominent. F2L offers a glimpse of some of the new technologies.
There were interesting trends developing particularly across ‘wearables’ namely in adaptive eyewear and hearing-related technologies. Among these was Nuance Audio that collaborated with Ray-Bain with immersive audio glasses with directional technology that enhances sound based on where the user is looking, scheduled for late 2024 launch. Another promising device for the hearing-impaired were XanderGlasses with multiple noise-cancelling microphones around the frames that pick up conversations, sending speech-bubble captions to the lens.
There was also something for gamers from Airdrop Gaming, set to make the gaming experience more inclusive and immersive, especially for the deaf and vision impaired. Audio Radar is an accessory that transforms game sounds into visual signals, and works with PlayStation, Xbox or a computer. It can also visualise key sounds like footsteps and alerts and comes with plug-and-play compatibility.
Augmental had a Bluetooth enabled and fully rechargeable Mouth Pad that helps people who cannot control a computer mouse, or tape and swipe on a smartphone screen. The tongue becomes the computer mouse by moving it over the sensors.
The Venu 3 smartwatch from GPS tech company Garmin carries a selection of features for wheelchair users. A wheelchair mode tracks pushes instead of steps and other activities such as testing speed and handcycling, with preloaded and animated workouts for strength, cardio, yoga and Pilates.
Samsung also showcased innovations using smart sensors with artificial intelligence and how this technology is impacting the connection between users and their devices. Spatial AI is key to this by helping devices understand the living space and routines of the user. An example was being able to detect unusual circumstances, such as a fall, sending alerts to designated family and carers.
AI enabled visual display products are also bringing new experiences into the home. For viewers with different needs a sign language feature in the Samung Neo OLED TV can be controlled with gestures for the hearing impaired. An audio subtitle feature turns subtitles into spoken words in real-time for those with low vision. To further aid those with low vision, Relumino Together is a new viewing mode on Samsung TVs that enables users of all abilities to watch TV together, with or without visual adjustments.
CES is an annual event held in Las Vegas, US in January.
Photo: Audio Radar