Imagine being in a lively conversation but unable to hear a single word. For millions of people who are deaf or hard of hearing, this is a daily reality. Now, a UK-based tech company has created a solution: Xrai Glass, smart glasses that display live subtitles directly on the lenses, letting users follow conversations as they happen.
Using artificial intelligence (AI) and augmented reality (AR), Xrai Glass listens to surrounding speech, converts it to text instantly, and projects it onto the glasses’ lenses. The result? Conversations that were once challenging to follow become clear and accessible in real time.
Inspired by a Grandfather’s Struggle
The idea for Xrai Glass came from a deeply personal experience. Founder Jack Bloomfield watched his grandfather struggle to join conversations despite having some of the best hearing aids available.
“It wasn’t until he turned on captions on the TV that we realized he could instantly follow along,” Bloomfield said. “That moment sparked the idea: what if people could wear glasses that let them see words as they’re spoken, anywhere, anytime?”
Now, anyone who finds it hard to hear can simply put on a pair of smart glasses and instantly engage with the world around them.
Beyond Hearing Loss: Bridging Language Gaps
Xrai Glass doesn’t just help those with hearing difficulties—it also tackles language barriers. The device automatically detects languages and provides real-time translations in over 300 languages, making it a powerful tool for travel, international work, and multilingual communities.
By blending cutting-edge technology with human-centered design, Xrai Glass is more than just a gadget—it’s a bridge to connection, understanding, and inclusion for people everywhere.
