Double Tap at CSUN 2025: eSight, Envision & Humanware

Double Tap

Steven Scott, Shaun Preece and the Double Tap team are reporting from the 40th CSUN Assistive Technology Conference in California. In this episode, they speak with representatives from eSight, Envision, and Humanware, exploring the latest innovations in assistive technology.

eSight – Wearable Vision Tech
Guests:
• Roland Mattern (Director of Sales, eSight)
• Cosmo Moore (eSight user & coach)

Key Highlights:
• What is eSight?
A wearable assistive device for people with central vision loss. It functions as a wearable CCTV with cameras, software, and OLED displays to enhance vision.
• Evolution of eSight:
The latest eSight Go is the fifth-generation model, featuring a lighter build, longer battery life, and better optics.
• Real-life Impact:
• Cosmo shares how eSight helped him gain independence, from navigating a zoo to reading subtitles for the first time.
• The newest model is less bulky and more discreet, making users feel more comfortable wearing it in public.
• Cost:
• Originally priced at $15,000, now down to $4,950.
• eSight offers a coaching program, where every user gets a dedicated coach for onboarding and support.

🔗 More Info: www.esighteyewear.com

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Envision – AI Assistant “Ally” & Smart Glasses

Guest:
• Karthik Kannan (Co-founder, Envision)

Key Highlights:
• What is Ally?
• A conversational, personalizable AI assistant for blind and low-vision users.
• Available on iOS, Android, desktop, and even WhatsApp.
• Users can customize Ally’s personality, with options like a British 1930s comedian or Alfred from Batman.
• Why is Ally Different from ChatGPT or Gemini?
• Accessibility-first design.
• More control over responses, fewer restrictions.
• Can be customized with voices and behavior preferences.
• Glasses & AI Integration:
• Envision is exploring next-gen smart glasses, but Google Glass remains the most open platform.
• Experiments with Meta’s Project Aria focus on indoor navigation with 3D audio.
• Envision aims for standalone hardware, not phone-dependent accessories.
• Cost & Future Plans:
• Currently free, but pricing is being considered.
• The company is exploring affordable subscription models that balance cost and value.

🔗 Try Ally: csun.ally.me

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Humanware – Innovations in Braille & Low Vision Tech

Guest:
• Eric Beauchamp (Director of Product Management, Humanware)

Key Highlights:
• New Features & AI Integrations:
• Odyssey Reading Machine: Now uses AI for document summaries and translation.
• Stellar Trek GPS Device:
• Pedestrian crossing detection is coming soon.
• Audiobook integration is also on the way, allowing navigation & reading in one device.
• Braille Technology:
• Mantis Q40 & Brilliant BI20X/BI40X updates are in the works, but no specifics were revealed.
• Low Vision Tech:
• XY Table is Back for desktop magnifiers due to high demand.
• Miniaturized cameras & AI improve accessibility.
• Affordability & Market Challenges:
• The cost of assistive tech remains high due to small-scale production & R&D investment.
• Humanware leverages mainstream AI models (ChatGPT, Gemini) to lower costs.

🔗 More Info: www.humanware.com

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Final Thoughts
• Assistive technology is evolving rapidly, with AI, smart glasses, and personalized accessibility tools leading the way.
• eSight’s wearable vision tech, Envision’s AI assistant Ally, and Humanware’s new low-vision devices are making significant improvements in accessibility.
• Affordability remains a challenge, but new pricing models and AI-driven enhancements could make these tools more accessible in the future.

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