Microsoft’s Seeing AI app now supports LiDAR scanners from iPhone 12

Microsoft’s app that helps blind and low vision people just got more powerful.

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What you need to know

Microsoft’s Seeing AI app scans and narrates the world. It allows blind people or people with low vision to have more access to information around them. Now, the app can take advantage of the LiDAR scanners in theiPhone 12and iPhone 12 Pro Max. With LiDAR support, the app can utilize spatial audio to scan rooms.

Microsoft has shown off the Seeing AI app several times over the last few years, including when itbegan as a prototypeand inreal-world examples.

LiDAR support and the app’s latest update improve the capabilities of the app. Here’s the complete changelog as found on theApp Store:

In addition to using the LiDAR scanner to help people explore rooms, the app can use the technology to place audio beacons onto objects. It also has a new feature that uses the haptic proximity sensor to feel the distance that objects are away from you.

This app can scan and read the world around you, helping blind people and people with low vision. It now supports LiDAR, allowing it to support spatial audio and several other new features.

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Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He’s covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean’s journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.