Today’s Solutions: November 14, 2024

We often take for granted our ability to communicate with others in a common language, but more than 70 million people worldwide often struggle to enjoy basic interactions because of significant barriers to relying on sign language to communicate with others. Enter Voicee, a microphone-fitted set of glasses that displays captions to help deaf people know what other people are saying.

The glasses are equipped with a noise-canceling microphone in front and a Google Glass-like smart display on the inside of the lens. The glasses also have a touchpad for function control and are powered by a small battery. They come with thin clear lenses but can be fitted with prescription lenses if necessary. According to the designers, the eyewear has been designed together with the members of the deaf community to ensure that their needs are met.

The technology works by picking up what the other person is saying to the wearer and then displaying those words as near-real-time subtitles on the inside of one lens. The eyewear doesn’t require any other supporting devices and can be set to one of five languages available (for now). It weighs less than 100 grams (3.5 oz) and can run for more than 24 hours of use on one charge.

The eyewear is currently the subject of an Indiegogo campaign, and so far has only been designed in functioning prototype form. Should you be interested — keeping in mind that they’re still not ready for the market just yet — a pledge of $540 will get you a pair if they reach production.

The concept of smart glasses to help communities in need might sound familiar. Back in March, we introduced you to Envision Glasses, a pair of smart glasses that uses AI to let blind wearers know what they’re looking at. We’re looking forward to more such innovations designed to promote inclusivity.

Solutions News Source Print this article
More of Today's Solutions

Two Black women to serve together in the United States Senate in a historic f...

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM For the first time in American history, two Black women will serve together in the Senate. Angela Alsobrooks, ...

Read More

Resilient community-building: staying safe in times of uncertainty

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY TEAM Recent global and domestic developments have left many feminists and allies feeling uneasy, uncertain about their place in society, ...

Read More

3 lifestyle hacks to help you become a little happier

There is no one path to finding happiness, but there are some lifestyle changes you can make to become more receptive to happiness. Without ...

Read More

For the first time ever, Greece meets energy demands with 100% renewables

The other week, Greece celebrated an exciting milestone! All of the country’s electricity needs were met by renewable energy for the first time, as ...

Read More