PocketVision smartphone app makes reading easier for those with sight loss

A new smartphone app helps users with sight loss to read everyday text such as books, documents and menus.

PocketVision was developed by social enterprise Eyecoming and has been launched by smartphone company Honor.

It features three modes that enhance the ability of visually impaired users to access text.

Text-to-speech mode can be used to narrate printed text while zoom in mode uses Honor camera technology to enlarge text using the volume buttons on their device.

Negative image mode provides colour filters to enhance the contrast of text, making it easier to read.

Honor’s president, George Zhao, shared: “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.”

Honor has partnered with the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB), who contributed to the development of the add alongside Eyecoming.

Senior innovation and technology relationships manager at RNIB, Robin Spinks, highlighted that smartphone technology is playing an increasing role in enabling independence for blind and partially sighted people.

“Using this app, people with low vision have the ability to convert any text into a readable format, making the world a more accessible place, giving a greater sense of freedom and breaking down barriers to create a more inclusive society,” he said.

Image credit: Pixabay/TeroVesalainen