Electronic personal assistants have been hugely useful for people who are blind or have low vision.

They are hands free, voice activated devices that vocalise information back to you.

It means you don’t have to be reliant on a computer to browse the internet, and helps you maintain your independence.

There are two widely available electronic personal assistants that are currently on the market - Google Home and Amazon Alexa.

There are others but these are the two most commonly used.

Cost:

There are a range of models for both units and can range in price from $39 to $550.

Product features:

Amazon Alexa is available with a number of models, some with screens (5 inch, 8 inch and 10 inch models are available).

To get started you can purchase a smart speaker called an Echo Dot. This is the lowest priced unit in the range. It is a spherical speaker that comes in a number of colours.

Google’s electronic assistant is also available on a number of devices, but the cheapest option is to purchase a small smart speaker called a Google Nest Mini.

It is a flatter speaker than the Amazon’s Echo dot and needs to be connected by a cord, and comes in a number of colours.

To learn more visit this page on the Vision Australia website:  https://www.visionaustralia.org/information/adaptive-technology/technology-beginner-guides/using-amazon-alexa-and-google-home 

Electronic personal assistants have been hugely useful for people who are blind or have low vision.
They are hands free, voice activated devices that vocalise information back to you.
It means you don&rsquo;t have to be reliant on a computer to browse the internet, and helps you maintain your independence.
There are two widely available electronic personal assistants that are currently on the market - Google Home and Amazon Alexa.
There are others but these are the two most commonly used.
Cost:
There are a range of models for both units and can range in price from $39 to $550.
Product features:
Amazon Alexa&nbsp;is available with a number of models, some with screens (5 inch, 8 inch and 10 inch models are available).
To get started you can purchase a smart speaker called an Echo Dot. This is the lowest priced unit in the range. It is a spherical speaker that comes in a number of colours.
Google&rsquo;s electronic assistant is also available on a number of devices, but the cheapest option is to purchase a small smart speaker called a&nbsp;Google Nest Mini.
It is a flatter speaker than the Amazon&rsquo;s Echo dot and needs to be connected by a cord, and comes in a number of colours.
To learn more visit this page on the Vision Australia website:&nbsp; <a href="https://www.visionaustralia.org/information/adaptive-technology/technology-beginner-guides/using-amazon-alexa-and-google-home">https://www.visionaustralia.org/information/adaptive-technology/technology-beginner-guides/using-amazon-alexa-and-google-home</a>&nbsp;

A feed including technology beginner guides. Using technology can be intimidating. That’s why we’ve created step-by-step beginner guides on a range of everyday technologies such as Excel, Word and more. Learn more about the guides via the Vision Australia website

If you have more questions, the Vision Australia assistive technology helpdesk team are ready to support you. Please call 1300 84 74 66 (and ask for the AT Helpdesk) or email at athelp@visionaustralia.org

To browse Vision Australia Shop's extensive range of assistive technologies visit: https://shop.visionaustralia.org/ 

A feed including technology beginner guides. Using technology can be intimidating. That&rsquo;s why we&rsquo;ve created step-by-step beginner guides on a range of everyday technologies such as Excel, Word and more. Learn more about the guides via the <a href="https://www.visionaustralia.org/information/adaptive-technology/technology-beginner-guides">Vision Australia website</a>
If you have more questions, the Vision Australia assistive technology helpdesk team are ready to support you. Please call <a href="tel:1300 84 74 66">1300 84 74 66</a>&nbsp;(and ask for the AT Helpdesk) or email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:athelp@visionaustralia.org">athelp@visionaustralia.org</a>
To browse Vision Australia Shop's extensive range of assistive technologies visit: <a href="https://shop.visionaustralia.org/">https://shop.visionaustralia.org/</a>&nbsp;

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