Assistive Technology Roundup: Autumn 2025 Update

As always, First Aid for the Blind strives to stay current on all technology that could benefit the blind and visually impaired community. Here are notes on our latest findings:

OKO App Now Free

The OKO app, a mobile tool that uses your phone’s camera to identify pedestrian signals and announce when it’s safe to cross, has officially dropped its subscription. It’s now completely free thanks to a new acquisition by Synapse ITS, a company focused on accessible infrastructure and transportation technology.

Originally launched in Belgium, OKO was designed for blind users who want to safely cross intersections with confidence. Using your iPhone camera and AI-powered object detection, the app identifies pedestrian lights (walk/don’t walk signals) in real time. When it sees a green man, it vibrates or announces that it’s safe to cross. No need to look for accessible pedestrian buttons or rely on audio cues that may not exist. Just point your phone across the street, and OKO helps you make the decision safely and independently. The latest update also includes improvements in signal detection and reduced lag, helping the app better function in busy environments or with bright sunlight.

Until recently, OKO required a monthly or annual subscription, which limited access for many users. But in July, Synapse ITS (the same company behind accessible signal systems like Polara) acquired the app and made an important change: all features are now free for everyone. The company stated this move aligns with their mission to promote safe, equitable mobility for people with disabilities.

This change matters. For many blind travelers, crossing an unfamiliar or unsigned intersection is one of the most stressful parts of independent travel. OKO provides a digital co-pilot that helps answer the question: “Is it safe to go now?” With haptic feedback and spoken cues, users don’t have to rely on uncertain audio environments or hope that APS (Accessible Pedestrian Signal) systems have been installed in a given area. You carry your APS in your pocket.

The app currently works in select countries (including the U.S.) and only supports certain intersection signal types. You’ll need to give it camera access, and you may need to do a short calibration process when setting up. Once that’s done, the app gives clear, accessible information when you're at a crosswalk, and no touchscreen navigation is required.

If you tried OKO in the past but didn’t want to pay for it, this is a great time to check it out again. Just search for “OKO” in the App Store. It will be listed under: “OKO AI Copilot for the Blind” in the iOS App Store. Unfortunately, Android is not yet supported.

EchoVision Glasses

The EchoVision smart glasses from Agiga were originally scheduled to launch in June 2025, then delayed to late August, and now face another postponement with no new timeline confirmed. Designed specifically for blind users, EchoVision aims to provide hands-free, AI-powered scene description and object recognition in a wearable form. But while anticipation remains high, the product has yet to reach production-ready status, and Agiga has not offered a firm delivery estimate as of the end of August.

According to the company, the most recent delay is due to unresolved issues with the microphone system and audio performance. Because the device relies on speech input and spoken feedback as its primary interface, clarity and responsiveness are essential to its success. Agiga has stated that it will not move forward with mass production until the quality meets expectations, even if that means delaying shipping into late 2025 or beyond. Though frustrating for early supporters, this cautious approach suggests a commitment to usability and long-term durability rather than rushing out an unfinished product.

Agiga's design prioritizes simplicity, with gesture-based controls and direct audio feedback meant to offer a smoother, more intuitive interaction. The device’s form factor also sets it apart. While many smart glasses repurpose traditional eyewear designs, EchoVision features a custom frame built for comfort and long-term wear. Agiga initially delayed the June release to make adjustments to the fit and feel of the glasses, emphasizing the importance of ergonomic balance for users who may wear the device all day. With the current delay now linked to audio hardware, it’s clear the team is still addressing key functional elements before finalizing the release.

Early buyers will receive lifetime access to the device’s features with no subscription fees. While this makes it an appealing long-term investment, the lack of a firm shipping timeline means that customers will need to be patient. Stay tuned!

Envision Ally Solos Glasses

Envision, in partnership with the eyewear innovator Solos, has announced the upcoming release of the Ally Solos Glasses. These are scheduled to begin shipping in October 2025. These lightweight smart glasses are purpose‑built for individuals who are blind or have low vision, and they also offer accessibility benefits to older adults, those with cognitive needs, and caregivers.

Preorders are open now, with attractive early‑bird pricing starting at $399 (down from a regular price around $699 )and each purchase includes a one‑year Ally Pro subscription at no extra cost.

Here are some interesting features of the glasses:

• The glasses utilize open‑ear Whisper™ directional audio and HD cameras to deliver real‑time assistance via voice commands, enabling users to read text (documents, signs, labels), describe scenes, recognize objects and people, translate, search the internet, and manage daily tasks entirely hands‑free.

• The glasses are compact and durable (under 50 grams, IP67 rated for splash resistance, and feature a robust battery life of up to 15–16 hours, with fast charging via USB‑C stems that give roughly three hours of use from just 15 minutes of charging).

• They come in two frame sizes (regular and large) and multiple color options (black, gray, brown), and they support prescription lens fitting.

• The glasses connect over Bluetooth to the Ally companion app on iOS and Android, enabling seamless functionality without locking users into one ecosystem. Ally’s AI engine integrates models from Meta (Llama), OpenAI (ChatGPT), Google (Gemini), and Perplexity, providing powerful, context‑aware assistance.

• Unlike devices like Meta Ray‑Bans or earlier Envision models, the Ally Solos are centered entirely on accessibility and hands‑free use, offering a more intuitive and inclusive wearable experience.

While independent reviews are still pending, this launch marks a significant step forward in mainstreaming wearable AI specifically designed for blindness and low vision. The competition it brings could make a real difference in pricing and innovation across the sector.

As always, keep checking back with First Aid for the Blind to get informaiton about assistive technology for those who are blind or vision-impaired. We are here to help! If you have questions, send us an email at admin@faftb.com or phone call at 317-909-0286.