Be My Eyes Acquires AppleVis
In this episode of Double Tap, Steven Scott and Shaun Preece speak with Bryan Bashin, Vice Chair of Be My Eyes, and Hans Wiberg, founder of Be My Eyes, to discuss their unexpected move to save AppleVis. The widely used Apple accessibility resource was set to shut down, but Be My Eyes stepped in, ensuring its future as a vital platform for blind and visually impaired users.
Bryan explains the decision: “When we heard AppleVis might disappear, it felt like a gut punch. It’s the go-to place for blind and low-vision users troubleshooting iOS, macOS, and Apple devices.” He recounts how Be My Eyes leadership initially sought a consortium to save AppleVis but ultimately decided to take on the responsibility themselves. “Our missions align so well—Be My Eyes provides access, and AppleVis helps users maximize their tech. It just made sense,” he adds.
Hans echoes the sentiment, emphasizing AppleVis’s impact. “As a blind person myself, I’ve relied on AppleVis for years. It’s an incredible resource built by the community, for the community. We knew we had to step in,” he says. Despite the acquisition, they assure listeners that AppleVis will remain independent. “We’re not here to change it,” Bryan insists. “The same team will run it, and the same community-driven spirit will stay intact.”
The discussion also touches on potential integration between AppleVis and Be My Eyes. “Imagine being able to access AppleVis directly from the Be My Eyes app,” Hans suggests. “Or using AI to make AppleVis’s knowledge base searchable in multiple languages, expanding its reach worldwide.” Bryan teases the possibility of incorporating AI-driven insights: “What if users could query an AI trained on AppleVis content? That’s an exciting possibility.”
Concerns about moderation and trolling on AppleVis are also addressed. Bryan acknowledges past challenges but reassures users that respectful discussion will remain a priority. “We don’t want to stifle conversation, but we won’t tolerate personal attacks or hate speech,” he says. Hans adds that Be My Eyes has experience handling large communities and will support AppleVis in maintaining a constructive environment.
Steven and Shaun also ask about future funding models, particularly whether Apple could step in to support AppleVis. “We’d welcome it,” Bryan admits. “AppleVis has always had a good relationship with Apple, and we’re open to discussions.” He also highlights how Be My Eyes sustains itself through partnerships with companies like Microsoft’s Disability Answer Desk and Spotify, ensuring that its services remain free to users.
Looking ahead, Hans and Bryan hint at exciting possibilities, including Be My Eyes expanding to wearable technology. “We know hands-free access is a game-changer. We’re working with several manufacturers to bring Be My AI to wearables,” Bryan reveals, though he remains tight-lipped on specifics.
Ultimately, this partnership between Be My Eyes and AppleVis marks a new chapter for both platforms. “AppleVis will continue to be the trusted resource it always has been,” Bryan affirms. “Our job is to support and amplify its reach, not change what makes it special.”