Honor launches new AI-powered PocketVision app to empower the visually impaired

Honor has launched an app specifically to help the visually impaired to read. PocketVision utilises the AI capabilities of the Honor 20 Pro, to enhance the visual experience of reading.

Three key modes are available on the app developed by social enterprise Eyecoming, a company that provides integrated hardware and software solutions for people with visual impairments.

A partnership with the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) aims to further raise awareness.

The powerful processing power of the Honor 20 Pro, with the flagship Huawei Kirin 980 SoC with dual NPUs (Neural Processing Units) offers a viable alternative to more expensive magnifiers and typoscopes currently on the market.

The modes are as follows:

Text-to-Speech mode; using AI to recognise characters and translate to speech – from books and documents, to menus and more.

Zoom-in-Mode; using the capabilities of the quad-camera setup with a 48-megapixel primary camera and 8-megapixel telephoto lens. Even small text remains legible.

Negative Image Mode; a range of colour filters to further enhance text, especially for those who may have issues with certain colours.

“At Honor, we believe in the relentless pursuit of innovation; creating cutting edge technologies which make a positive impact on the world,

“Harnessing the power of the Honor 20 Pro’s next-generation AI capabilities and pro-grade camera technology, PocketVision aims to level the playing field for the visually impaired, giving this community a portable, affordable solution to other reading aids on the market. In launching this app, we hope to create an enhanced reading experience for people all around the world, enabling a greater sense of independence and giving people with low vision the confidence to unlock their potential and pursue their passions.”

George Zhao, President of Honor

PocketVision can be downloaded for free from the Huawei AppGallery and continues similar work by sister brand Huawei that offers the StorySign app for the deaf.