OOrion, the app for people with low vision and the blind

OOrion users can:

Search for an object: This feature allows users to locate an object in their surroundings by selecting one of the more than 80 generic objects available in the OOrion library.

Search for text: This helps identify written information in the environment, such as a product in the supermarket or in the refrigerator, directions in the subway, a street name, an intercom, a seat number on a train, or a door number.

Nearby objects: OOrion verbally announces all objects detected within the camera’s field of view. The same principle applies to the Nearby Text feature, which is designed for written elements.

Personal objects: Users can add and save their own everyday items, such as a white cane, glasses, or keys, to help them find them more easily.

The app is fully compatible with existing accessibility tools:

With Siri: To open the app, say, “Hey Siri, open OOrion.” To search for an item: “Hey Siri, search for an item with OOrion.” Siri will then ask you what item you’re looking for, and the search will start right after you answer. It works the same way for other features.

With VoiceOver: a screen reader that reads aloud all the information displayed on your phone or computer. You can find it in your settings.

With the OOrion voice assistant: The app features its own intelligent AI voice assistant, capable of launching features and answering your questions. You can ask it any question using natural language, just as if you were speaking to a human assistant. It appears as a round button located at the bottom right of the menu page.

When an object or text is detected, OOrion will provide information via beeps and vibrations to indicate the distance to the object, and different alerts will appear as the user gets closer to it. These audio cues help the user move in the right direction. When using headphones, if the beeps are louder on one side than the other, this indicates whether the object is more to the right or left. The stronger the vibration, the closer the object is. When the object is in front of the user, a confirmation sound is emitted and the beeps stop.

The device’s flash will activate if the room is too dark and will turn off when the user stops searching.

If the Generative AI option is enabled, Orion will also provide a description of the object and its contextualized location. This information is spoken aloud if the VoiceOver option is enabled.

The app also features a Partner Space, designed to help businesses (hotels, restaurants, shops, public venues, etc.) improve their accessibility for people who are visually impaired or blind. Using the smartphone’s camera, these venues can map their surroundings and provide essential information: general overview, hours of operation, reception contact, descriptions of room or bathroom amenities, access to menus and drinks, breakfast details, pool location, and much more. The entire feature is designed to be practical, useful, and fully accessible through the app.

As a result, OOrion users can more easily navigate to a location that promotes their independence and inclusion in all areas of daily life.