New Glasses Will Allow Deaf People to “See” Conversations With Real-Time Closed Captioning

A new line of glasses will come equipped with the technology allowing deaf people to see conversations using real-time transcribing.

XRAI Glass is leading the initiative with its unique eyewear that will help millions of people suffering from hearing loss. The innovative phone-tethered augmented reality smart glasses work by reading speech in real-time through closed captioning. A subtitled version of the conversation is then created and displayed on the user’s glasses screen. Voice recognition components will be able to identify who is speaking, and the frames will soon be able to translate languages.

XRAI Glass has partnered with AR glasses company Nreal to quickly bring the glasses online to consumers in the U.K.

EE network customers can obtain a pair of the XRAI frames for an upfront cost of £10 (U.S. $12) then £35 (U.S. $43) per month for 11 months. Non-EE customers can buy a pair outright at any EE store nationwide for £399.99 (U.S. $489.61.)

While an international rollout has not been announced, a wider rollout among other networks is expected within the coming months.

Advocates for the deaf community are already praising XRAI for their dedication to bringing the glasses to life.

“When I tried on the glasses, I was astonished. Real-time subtitles that enable you to engage and participate as never before. I see XRAI Glass as a hugely positive force, and I can’t wait to work with the team to help bring this to life,” said Steve Crump, Founder, and Chair, DeafKidz International.