Envision: A Comprehensive Guide to the Revolutionary Free App for the Visually Impaired

Estimated Reading Time: 4 Minutes

Envision is an amazing free app designed to improve the quality of life for the visually impaired. With its simple interface and full support for VoiceOver, Envision strives to empower users by offering features that make daily tasks easier and more accessible. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the current version (3.3.1) of the app and provide updates on any future enhancements.

Main Features and Navigation

Envision is structured with three main tabs located at the bottom of the screen:

1. Settings

This tab includes various options:

• Account Details: Manage your personal information.
• Developer Support: Options to donate and support the developers.
• Updates: Stay informed with the latest app updates.
• Dark Mode: Switch to a dark theme for low-light environments.
• Tutorial: Get a step-by-step guide on using the app.
• About: Learn more about Envision.
• Feedback & Sharing: Send your feedback, share with friends, or rate the app.

Within Settings, you can also reorder features by dragging the list items to your liking. Additionally, you can enable several important functionalities:

• Reading Language: Choose the language for text-to-speech.
• Language Detection: Automatically detect the language of the scanned text.
• Layout Recognition: Understand and organize text layout for proper reading order.
• Pronunciation: Customize the voice and speed for clearer speech.

Other options include:

• Color Detection: Choose between standard or descriptive color detection based on your lighting conditions.
• Siri Shortcuts: Set up voice commands by selecting a feature and assigning a phrase for Siri.
• 3D Touch Shortcuts: Choose from four quick actions available by long-pressing the app icon.

2. Envision Glasses

This tab provides all information related to the Envision glasses and how to pair them with the app, enhancing the overall accessibility experience.

3. App Features

The “App” tab contains all the key functionalities of Envision, including its innovative scanning and reading capabilities.

Detailed Feature Breakdown

Instant Reading

• How It Works: Simply point your camera at a document, adjust the lighting, and VoiceOver will instantly read the text aloud.
• Tip: Ensure proper camera angle and adequate lighting for best results.

Text Scanning

• Single Scan vs. Batch Scan: Choose between scanning a single page or multiple pages. For multiple pages, VoiceOver will announce the number of pages captured before you press the “Done” button.
• Controls: A zoom button in the top right provides text enlargement and color inversion options. Next to it, select your preferred reading language.

Library

• Storage: All saved documents are stored in the Envision Library.
• Import Options: If your library is empty or you wish to add more documents, you can import files either from the glasses, local storage, or your photo album.

File Import Feature

• Direct Import: Skip the scanning process by importing files directly. You have three options: import from the glasses, import from local files, or import a photo from your album.

Barcode Scanning

• How It Works: Simply point the camera at a product’s barcode. The app will emit a whistle sound upon detection and display the product information.

Scene Description

• AI-Powered Descriptions: When you select this feature, Envision takes a snapshot of your surroundings and VoiceOver reads a detailed description of the scene. You can either save the image with its description or capture another scene.

Exploration Features

• Discovering Your Environment: As you move your device slowly around, the app will detect nearby objects (e.g., doors or tables) and notify you.

Object and Person Detection

• Object Detection: The app displays a list of recognized objects. If you select an object, like a ball, the device will vibrate as you approach it. If your desired object isn’t listed, you can request its addition.
• Person Detection: Walk around and the app will alert you with a gentle sound and read the name of any detected individual.
• Learning Feature: Take five photos of a person along with their name, and Envision will add them to your known contacts list.

Color Detection

• How It Works: Point your camera at an object, and VoiceOver will announce its color. You can choose between standard and descriptive color modes from the settings. (Keep in mind that ambient lighting may affect accuracy.)

Accessible QR Code Scanning

• QR Code Feature: Simply point the camera at a product with a QR code, and the app will read out the product’s name. For more details, press “More Information.”

Reader Preferences

Located in the top left corner, the Reader Preferences allow you to customize your reading experience:

• Text Options & Language Detection: If disabled, VoiceOver will use your system language; if enabled, it will detect the language of the text.
• Layout Recognition: Ensures columns are read in the correct order, announcing titles as they appear.
• Font Size: Adjust the font size by swiping up or down.
• Pronunciation Settings: Enable auto-play for files, choose your preferred voice and language, and control the speaking speed.
• Processing Sound: Optionally, listen to a processing tone until the text is fully read.

Additional Features

The features are accessible above the main tabs. Swipe up or down to navigate between them. Each feature has a dedicated help button (located in the top left corner) that provides a simple explanation.

Quick Reading

• Instant Playback: Once you align the camera and adjust the lighting, VoiceOver immediately reads the text.

Text Scanning

• Scan Modes: Choose between single-page scanning or batch scanning. VoiceOver will inform you of the number of pages captured in batch mode before you confirm.
• Zoom and Invert Options: A zoom button at the top right opens a menu for text enlargement and color inversion.
• Language Settings: Choose your preferred language for reading and adjust scanning preferences (reading language, language detection, layout recognition, and processing voice).

Library

• Document Storage: Your saved documents are stored in the Envision Library. If the library is empty, import files from your glasses, device storage, or photo album.
• Import to Library: If you already have documents, use the "Import to Library" option in the top left to add more.

File Import Feature

• Direct File Import: Skip the camera capture by importing files directly from your device or glasses.

Barcode Scanning

• Product Information: Scan barcodes to retrieve product information; a whistle sound indicates successful detection.

Scene Description

• AI Scene Description: Capture a scene and have the app describe it using AI. Choose to save the image with its description or capture another scene.

Exploration and Object/Person Detection

• Exploration Mode: Slowly move your device to let the app detect nearby objects and notify you.
• Object Detection: Identify objects, and if necessary, send a request to add missing ones.
• Person Detection: As you walk, the app alerts you when it detects a person, announcing their name.
• Learn Envision: Capture five photos of a person along with their name to add them to your known contacts list.

Color Detection

• Accurate Color Reading: Point your camera at an object, and choose between standard or descriptive modes. Note that lighting conditions can affect accuracy.

Accessible QR Code Scanning

• Quick Product Info: Scan a QR code on a product and have the app read its name aloud. Tap “More Information” for additional details.

Final Note

We hope you found this comprehensive guide to the Envision app helpful. Stay tuned for updates as new features and improvements are released. Your feedback and suggestions for further enhancements are always welcome.

For more insights on assistive technology and the latest updates on accessibility tools, visit TechCrunch – your trusted source for tech news and innovation.

💬 Have you tried Envision? Share your experience and tips in the comments below!