Top OrCam alternatives

OrCam is an Israeli-based company that makes assistive technology devices for the blind and visually impaired. The company relies on artificial intelligence (AI) to help people lead more independent lives.

This article will share more about the brand and its products and recommend the top alternative solutions from the same field.

OrCam explained

OrCam is a project created by two experts. Amnon Shashua is a computer vision and machine learning professional, while Ziv Aviram is an entrepreneur and co-founder of the vision-based driver-assistance system company Mobileye.

The company was founded in 2010 and has so far launched three products:

• OrCam My Eye
• OrCam Read
• OrCam Learn

The first two are the company’s flagship products, that we’ll discuss in more detail.

OrCam My Eye

OrCam MyEye is the company’s most advanced assistive technology wearable for the blind and visually impaired. The device attaches to the person’s eyeglasses, can read full pages of text and street signs, and even recognizes faces. The device has a tiny microphone to allow audio communication with the user.

The company has two OrCam MyEye products:

• Smart—text reading and Smart Reading feature

• PRO—facial recognition, product identification, barcode reader, colors, and many other features

OrCam Read

OrCam Read is a device for people with reading difficulties like low vision, reading fatigue, dyslexia, or anyone who spends a lot of time reading texts. The device can read any type of text (digital or printed) with a touch of a button.

This small handheld device looks like a reading pen that reads text aloud through the in-built speaker when pointed at text.

OrCam devices and OrCam technology are, without a doubt, some of the most advanced on the market. However, other providers offer high-end wearables and vision aids.

Alternatives to OrCam

Irisvision

Irisvision is another assistive device company focusing on the latest tech to help people with vision loss. All devices are suitable for most lifestyles. Their products include:

Irisvision Inspire

Irisvision has created award-winning software and placed it in a lightweight headset named Inspire. This low-profile wearable offers 10x magnification, instant autofocus, text inversion, TV assistance, and more.

The device works great for retinitis pigmentosa patients as it extends the field of view. The bioptic mode is also available for distance viewing. Finally, optical character recognition (OCR) technology makes reading texts and documents a breeze.

Irisvision Live

Irisvision Live is a wearable headset with WiFi and cellular connectivity, a 70-degree camera with an immersive field of view, and a voice control feature. Hands-free magnification makes it easy for people with low vision to see the objects in their surroundings more clearly.

NuEyes

NuEyes is a wearable technology company that makes smart glasses. People with visual impairments can use this lightweight product (only 130gr) to enjoy a 4K display and a 52-degree field view.

The removable visual prosthetic allows the person to see while having their hands free. Numerous models are available:

• The NuEyes Pro 3—Plug and play glasses with USB-C connection to tablets, phones, and computers
• The NuEyes e2+—Wearable device that works with a press of a button with no extra accessories or phones required

These devices have magnification features (up to 12x), Bluetooth control, and voice recognition technology. Users can customize the glasses with their prescription lenses.

The glasses are recommended for people suffering from Stargardt’s disease, Macular degeneration, Retinitis Pigmentosa, diabetic retinopathy, cone-rod dystrophy, or other conditions and disabilities.

eSight

eSight is yet another powerful competitor in the low-vision wearables market. The company helps people with vision impairments achieve 20/20 enhanced vision. The device is lightweight, comfortable, and can be used indoors and outdoors.

A small camera captures the wearer’s environment, and the algorithm optimizes and enhances that footage. The device then shows the footage on two OLED (organic light-emitting diode) monitors (one for each eye) in real-time.

The device can be used hands-free and is also wireless. Users can remotely control the device using smartphones or a wireless remote controller.

Seeing AI

Seeing AI is a Microsoft app that uses artificial intelligence and an iPhone camera to read documents, recognize faces, describe people’s appearance, read barcodes, and more. The app is suitable for people who only occasionally need to read printed text. Some of its limitations don’t make it suitable for all-around usages like OrCam and other products on this list.

Seeing AI is free of charge and is available for Apple iOS devices.

Enjoy top-quality readouts with Speechify

Wearables for people with visual impairments make their lives so much easier. However, more tools exist that can help people with low vision on a smaller budget. Text to speech software like Speechify is a great example.

Speechify can read any text aloud in real-time, whether a digital or printed document, web page, email, or SMS message. Speechify uses the latest OCR technology and deep machine learning to read texts in English, Spanish, French, and other languages in natural-sounding voices. Both male and female voices are available.

Users can adjust the reading speed, watch the text highlighted on the screen while reading aloud, or download files for offline use. The app is available for iOS and Android and as a browser extension.

Learn more about Speechify and give it a free try.

FAQ

What is the difference between OrCam MyEye and OrCam My Reader?

OrCam MyEye is a more advanced version with more features. OrCam Read has text-reading functionality, while MyEye also supports facial recognition, product recognition, and other features.

Does OrCam really work?

Yes, OrCam is a reputable company, and its products have helped thousands of people with visual impairments worldwide.

What is the difference between OrCam and Seeing AI?

Both OrCam and Seeing AI can read documents, barcodes, and other data. However, Seeing AI pulls the data from online resources. Also, OrCam is a wearable device, while Seeing AI is software.

What is the size of the OrCam MyEye?

The size of the OrCam MyEye is 2.99 inches x 0.83 inches x 0.59 inches.