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This month, we're taking a trip through the world of accessible technology, from Melbourne trams and smart glasses to AI-powered reading tools. Plus, we look at why some exciting tech features take longer to arrive than expected and discover why a driverless taxi might be the world's worst getaway driver.

The world's largest tram network: Read aloud with NaviLens

NaviLens is similar to a QR code system: it’s designed to help people who are blind or have low vision navigate Melbourne’s tram network. Users can scan large, colourful codes installed at tram stops with their smart phones and receive information about tram services through audio, visual or haptic feedback. Currently  it is only available on route 96 tram, however the technology is expected to be rolled out to additional routes soon. After all, the only thing Melbournians hate more than missing a tram is getting a bad coffee.

Please note if you live in Victoria and have questions about using Trams with NaviLens, Vision Australia O&Ms are here to help.

Use your phone to read aloud any printed text with Live Read

Live Read is an app that can read printed text out loud instantly, whether it's a best-before date, a restaurant menu or the instruction booklet for that one home appliance that you probably should read. To use the app, you simply open the Live Read app and point your phone's camera at the printed text you want to hear read out loud.

Vision Australia’s Tech specialists can help you set up and use apps like Live Read if needed.

Innovega Smart Glasses coming soon

The Innovega Smart Glasses are scheduled for release in mid-2027 and feature a real-time camera that projects images onto a virtual display in front of the user's eyes. While the technology is primarily aimed at people with central vision loss, individuals with optic nerve conditions such as glaucoma may also find it beneficial.

New NVDA software update includes a built-in Magnifier feature

NVDA (NonVisual Desktop Access) is a free screen reader for Windows computers that works similarly to JAWS. The latest NVDA update introduces a built-in Magnifier feature, giving users another way to access on-screen information.

The Magnifier follows along with the screen reader and offers zoom and colour filtering options. It currently works in full-screen mode, with additional viewing options planned for future releases.

Vision Australia Access Tech specialists are here to help if you're interested in trying out NVDA on your computer.

Spotlight of the month: The Anti-Oprah effect of cool tech features in Australia

It is easy to assume that new technology and AI features will be available to everyone, everywhere. Unfortunately, that's not always the case. Many features are restricted to certain countries due to local laws, privacy requirements, business decisions, or other factors.

This is something Vision Australia’s Access Tech specialist, Drew Taylor often encounters this with the Ray-Ban Meta Glasses. Meta may announce an exciting new accessibility feature, only for it to launch in the United States and Canada first, with no guarantee of a wider rollout.

“AI technology can be incredibly useful, but it's best to focus on the features you can access today rather than those that may arrive in the future,” says Drew. “After years of waiting for Marty McFly's hoverboard, I've learned not to plan around future technology.”

AI fails: When AI goes wrong  

While not technically an AI fail, this story shows that technology can still surprise us. In California, a driverless Waymo taxi reported suspicious behaviour after two teenage passengers were allegedly drinking and firing an Orbeez gel blaster out of the car window. The car then diverted from its route and drove itself, with the passengers still inside, to a nearby car park where police conducted a traffic stop.

The incident quickly caught the attention of people online, with many joking that the vehicle had "snitched" on its passengers. The car proved to be many things, but a good partner in crime wasn't one of them.

Readers stories

Pam enjoys finding her own way when she's out and about, but declining vision started making everyday tasks more challenging.

This changed for pam when she started using be My AI, which has helped Pam navigate public spaces more independently by describing signs, logos, symbols, and other information through her smartphone. While Be My Eyes can connect users with volunteers for assistance, Pam says she doesn't always want to rely on friends or call a volunteer when she needs help. Instead, she appreciates the independence that Be My AI provides, allowing her to access information more independently.

Be My AI is available through the Be My Eyes app on both iPhone and Android devices.

If you have questions about using Be My Eyes or Be My AI, Vision Australia Access Tech Specialists are here to help.

Chat to our team

Want to explore how AI could support your daily life? Our team can help you find tools and strategies that work for you.

You can either email us at [email protected] or call us on 1300 847 466. 

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