- Windows 11 is about to make a monumental leap forward in accessibility with its new “Describe Image” feature. This instant image recognition, powered by on-device AI, is a game-changer, especially for blind screen reader and low vision magnification users. Soon you will have instant digital vision, with a simple keystroke, you will receive detailed, AI-powered descriptions of any image, chart, or graph directly from your desktop – all without needing an internet connection. This is currently rolling out to Windows Insiders everywhere, with broader availability promised “soon.” This innovative step by Microsoft not only enhances productivity but also significantly improves the accessibility of digital content, turning formerly inaccessible visual information into readily understandable text.
- Beyond the exciting developments in Windows 11, the landscape of image recognition tools for blind and low-vision users is rich with options. “Be My Eyes” offers a unique approach with their downloadable (Be My Eyes) Windows and mobile applications, offering AI image recognition and live human help, along with additional AI conversation capabilities. JAWS, a leading screen reader, includes “Picture Smart,” which provides detailed descriptions of images, offering more control and options for users to get specific details or even choose between different AI models like Claude and ChatGPT for descriptions. Other valuable resources include Microsoft’s “Seeing AI” app, Google’s “Lookout,” and “TapTapSee,” all of which leverage smartphone cameras to identify objects, read text, and provide audio feedback about the surrounding environment. These tools, alongside dedicated OCR (Optical Character Recognition) apps like “Voice Dream Scanner,” are continuously evolving, giving users with visual impairments the power to engage with the visual world more independently.
- For more information on Windows 11’s accessibility features, check out the below video
Accessibility in Windows 11 – Narrate, Dictate, Immersive Reader, Color Filters – WINDOWS KEY + U