Video Recap
In this recent episode of the Epic Ally Podcast, Carrie from “Carrie on Accessibility” delved into the world of assistive technology through an enlightening interview with Shubh Mittal, CEO of Seleste. The focus was on the innovative Seleste Glasses, a product that stands at the forefront of assistive tech development. Carrie’s excitement about the product’s potential was palpable as she explored its features and implications for the visually impaired community.
The Seleste Glasses, described by Shubh, are designed with style and functionality in mind. They feature sleek black frames equipped with a camera positioned centrally and speakers on the sides. The design aims to blend seamlessly into everyday life, making the glasses indistinguishable from regular eyewear. This discreet yet powerful design marks a significant step forward in wearable technology, prioritizing both aesthetic appeal and practical utility.
The Seleste Glasses boast four innovative modes: Scan Text, Text Recognition, Smart Assistant, and Scene Description. Scan Text continuously reads and describes text in the environment, ideal for tasks like reading a book or a mail. Text Recognition, in contrast, focuses on single-use text reading. The Smart Assistant mode allows users to ask specific environmental questions, like identifying a plant or the contents of a ketchup bottle, leveraging the power of GPT for accurate responses. Lastly, Scene Description provides a comprehensive overview of the user’s surroundings, describing elements in detail, which is particularly useful for understanding unfamiliar settings.
Imagine the transformative experience of walking through a mall with the Seleste Glasses. As you stroll, the glasses can continuously scan your environment, announcing stores or text around you. This hands-free AI assistance means you can ask questions about your surroundings, receiving immediate and relevant information. Whether it’s finding a specific store, understanding signage, or even identifying objects in your immediate vicinity, these glasses could offer a level of independence and interaction with the environment previously unattainable for individuals with visual impairments.
Regarding availability and pricing, Shubh shared that the Seleste Glasses are currently in a beta phase, with orders being accepted on their website. The pricing model is subscription-based, with a $100 upfront cost followed by a $50 monthly fee. This model includes software and hardware updates, aiming to make the technology accessible and ensuring that users always have the latest version.
Carrie expressed concerns about the product, particularly regarding its compatibility and pricing model. While she recognized the groundbreaking potential of the Seleste Glasses, she was disappointed by the current lack of Android support and questioned the long-term affordability of the subscription model. Carrie highlighted that for many in the visually impaired community, a $50 monthly fee could be a significant expense.
Carrie recently ordered the Seleste Glasses, with an expected two-month wait for shipment. This wait period is filled with anticipation, not just for personal exploration but also to assist the community. Once she receives them, Carrie intends to provide a hands-on evaluation, focusing on their real-world effectiveness.
In conclusion, Carrie expresses a mixture of excitement and caution. The product’s innovative design and capabilities offer a glimpse into the possible future of assistive technology, promising enhanced independence for the visually impaired. However, concerns about accessibility in terms of platform compatibility and cost present real challenges that need to be addressed as the product evolves. Only time and real hands-on experience will tell if this device truly fulfills its promise and whether it will actually enhance the daily lives of those with visual impairments.