In this episode, Thomas Domville introduces us to an iOS app called "OKO - AI copilot for the blind." Designed specifically for the visually impaired, OKO uses advanced artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms to assist in navigating intersections. OKO's pedestrian traffic light function provides users with haptic and audio feedback, similar to a physical APS system, to identify the current state of the pedestrian traffic light. In addition to a walk-through of the app, Thomas gives us a live demonstration of OKO at an intersection.
Comments
OKO does not work on my 13 pro
I installed OKO and allowed it to use my location. After that, all I get is "direct touch area." I flicked to Direct Touch, flicked it on, then nothing, nada, no speech.
Alternative to OKO, WalkAssist
WalkAssist is a similar app that is also free and works for me.
App store link: https://apps.apple.com/my/app/walkassist/id1615852366
WalkAssist not as accurate as OKO
I've been using OKO for the last few weeks on my iPhone SE-3 and so far it's been 100% accurate. I've tested it at small to large intersections and it never disappoints. Prior to OKO, I used WalkAssist and it was very hit an miss. OKO is a great addition to my toolbox and compliments my O&M skills nicely.
RE: OKO does not work on my 13 pros
Hi turner42, after you launch Oko. Make sure the Direct Touch is turn off for that app and check to ensure the Screen Recognition is also turned off for that app. Hopefully, that will help. HTH.
Unable to Create Account
Hello. I recently downloaded/installed this app on my iPhone 14. First off, thank you Thomas for yet another excellent walkthrough. I enjoyed your live demonstration too. My O&M skills aren't quite up to par, but I think this app will come in very handy for me. Having said that, I am not able to create an account. I clicked on "Sign In" thinking that a sign-up option would be included on that screen. However, I only get a button labeled "Sign in with Apple" which does nothing. Next to that is a button labeled "Not Now". Clicking that returns me to the menu. I attempted to find a version number of the app, but no such luck. I was able to sample the sounds and vibrations though, and am impressed thus far. I hope somebody sees that this post has been updated.
Alright app with major major issues
Hello AppleVis team
Finally got around to trying this app only installed it 2 days ago if you believe it. Conveniently the app has also changed to a subscription model in 2025 no idea why that happened.
But anyways my experience with it I must say is alright but not that positive.
The app is great at identifying the status of the traffic light but one issue with that is there is no tilt up alert so as you're walking nearer and nearer to the other side of the road it's very likely that the app will stop giving you feedback at one point as the traffic light is out of view. Not to mention that the app is actually using the standard wide camera with one X zoom instead of the ultrawide camera which is 0.5X zoom only.
I've also noticed that the app seem to get really confused with red coloured count down timers which is very commonly used in my country including Australia. The app will either give me haptic feedback only, don't walk sound but no speech confirming that you cannot walk or totally no feedback at all when seeing a red count down with a green walk sign below.
I'll be confirming this issue shortly later and doing a screen recording to feedback to the developers regarding it as with this issue present at hand I don't think we should rely on this app to cross the road if you're not in the US.
Thank you
I am also interested to know about your experience in using this app.