The vOICe for Android

The vOICe for Android stands as a transformative application that creates a bridge between vision and sound, offering an innovative form of synthetic vision primarily to visually impaired users. This remarkable app converts live camera feeds into comprehensive audio representations, enabling a unique augmented reality experience through the powerful technique of sensory substitution complemented by computer vision.

Users access several helpful features with the app, including live talking OCR that interprets text audibly, a color identifier that speaks the names of colors, as well as tools like a talking compass, face detector, and GPS locator to assist in orientation and recognition of surroundings. Additionally, it interfaces seamlessly with Microsoft Seeing AI and Google Lookout for enhanced object recognition, conveniently activated by tapping the screen edges.

This versatile platform caters to both serious users seeking to overcome visual limitations and to sighted individuals curious about experiencing the world without relying on eyesight. When utilizing smart glasses, the software provides a hands-free sonic augmented reality overlay, which can be paired with external battery support for extended use.

Understanding the audio landscape is intuitive—the system employs sound pitch to indicate the height of objects and loudness to signify brightness, captured in one-second sweeps from left to right. Users are encouraged to familiarize themselves with simple visual patterns before navigating more complex real-world environments. For an immersive auditory experience, stereo headphones are recommended.

The game also supports the exploration of environments for individuals with tunnel vision and offers a binocular view option for those using Google Cardboard or similar devices.

Dedicated to enhancing accessibility, this tool is available free of charge as a conscious effort to make this technology widely available, outperforming expensive alternatives and even costly "bionic eye" implants in perceptual resolution.

Available in a broad array of languages—including but not limited to English, Dutch, German, French, Spanish, Italian, and Arabic—the software aims to reach a diverse global audience. Users are invited to provide feedback on any bugs encountered and to learn more about its functionalities, disclaimers, and updates through the designated web page and Twitter handle.