Google Lookout app can now use the phone's camera to find and recognize objects

Google has updated its Lookout accessibility app with new useful features. Some of the notable features include the ability to find and recognize objects using the camera. This is great for people who are blind or have low vision. In addition to this, Google has also updated the Look to Speak app with a text-free mode, giving users a unique way to trigger speech.

Google Lookout app can find and recognize objects

Google’s Lookout app is now smarter with the addition of Find mode. The new mode allows the app to open the camera and find and recognize different objects. The mode gives you a list of seven options – Seating & Tables, Doors & Windows, Cups, Bottles & Cans, Utensils & Tableware, Vehicles, and Bathroom.

Choosing any one of the options will allow you to find objects under that category using the camera. For instance, if you select Seating & Tables, the app will inform you if it finds a chair. As said above, this is good for those with low vision. There’s also an Image mode that recognizes images shown using the phone’s camera. Interestingly, you can personalize what each symbol or image means for you so it informs you of exact things.

Google has also updated the Look to Speak app with a text-free mode. For the unversed, the Look to Speak app is an app that allows users to communicate through eye gestures by selecting phrases which the app reads aloud. Now with the addition of text-free mode, users can communicate by selecting symbols, emojis, and photos.

Besides this, Google has also expanded the screen reader capability in Lens in Google Maps, making it easier for people to find ATMs or restaurants. The feature will tell users how far is a particular location. It will show names, categories, and distance. More on the app, the voice assistance has also been improved to give better audio prompts for navigation.

Apart from this, Google has confirmed that it’s open-souring code for the Project Gamefacer, which is a hands-free gaming mouse. The accessibility service lets users control the mouse on a desktop or the pointer on a mobile using facial gestures and head movements. This feature was initially available to PC but it’s coming to Android.