In this episode of iCantCU, I'm finally back after a month and diving into the Ally Solos—new smart glasses from Envision designed specifically for blind and low-vision users. Unlike Ray-Ban or Oakley Metas, these aren't built for social media first. They won't shoot video at launch, but they'll capture photos and focus on accessibility features that actually matter to us. The presale had me tempted, and even though I held off because of past bad experiences with uncomfortable frames from other brands, I may still give them a try with their 30-day return policy.
I also share some of the frustrations I've had with my Ray-Ban Metas—like constant notifications interrupting conversations, calls bouncing between devices, and unpredictable dictation. While the glasses can be fantastic when they work (like helping me confirm my Harrisburg train at 30th Street Station), those quirks make me eager to see if the Ally Solos can do better.
Beyond tech, I talk about what's been keeping me busy: prepping for the NFB of Pennsylvania State Convention in November, handling a major website migration, attending the Mid-Atlantic Student Seminar, and even dealing with a broken cane. Plus, I fill you in on our upcoming scholarship raffle and ask your thoughts on whether sunglasses during video episodes would throw you off.
Show notes at https://www.iCantCU.com/289
Links Mentioned
Product links are affiliate links so that I may earn a commission.
- Ray-Ban Meta Glasses, Wayfarer: https://amzn.to/42EU0Sy
- Learn more about the Ally Solos: https://www.ally.me
- Learn more about the 2025 NFB of PA State Convention: https://www.nfbofpa.org/state-convention/
- Listen to Lisa Bryan & my interview with EnVision CTO Karthik Kannan: https://www.whitecanesconnect.com/143/.
- Federation Focus on the NFB of PA YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@nfbofpa
- I edit the show with Descript and love it!: https://www.iCantCU.com/descript/
- Be My Eyes app (free): https://www.bemyeyes.com/
- Seeing AI app (free): https://www.seeingai.com/
- Index of That Real Blind Tech Show episodes: https://www.icantcu.com/trbts/
- Watch iCantCU episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iCantCU
Support iCantCU
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White Canes Connect Podcast Episode 143
In episode 143 of White Canes Connect, hosts Lisa Bryant and I welcome back Karthik Kannan, co-founder and CTO of Envision, for an exciting update on accessible technology. Karthik last joined the podcast four years ago to discuss Envision Glasses, then partnered with Google. Today, he returns to introduce the brand-new Ally Solos, a next-generation wearable that pushes accessibility to new heights.
Find this episode at:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/episode/5DOMSDicebFYMDK2ZpO4Ac
YouTube
https://youtu.be/bIcvmAzlk8k?si=IG3U_Ju-Tp2UPqOV
White Canes Connect Website
https://www.whitecanesconnect.com/143/
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