iPhone app 'acts as eyes for blind people'

Blind and visually impaired people are being targeted by the developers of a new iPhone application, which can identify objects around them.

Scientists at iVisit have designed the app to recognise a variety of everyday objects, such as bank notes and different types of food.

People who point their phone's camera towards an object will hear a voice telling them what the item is.

This could help blind and visually impaired people across the world to become far more independent.

Commenting on this innovation, E-Commerce Journal said: "The apps have been designed to act like a pair of eyes for the user."

It is hoped the SeeScan product could become available to consumers before the end of the year, although it is still being tested at the moment.

Mobile phones have already proved to be an asset for people with disabilities such as hearing impairments, as a number of emergency services across the UK are now allowing consumers to contact the emergency services via SMS.

By Neil Hill