The partnership will expand the functionality of the Microsoft Seeing AI app to read out the detailed labelling information of over 1,500 Haleon products to visually impaired consumers

Microsoft Seeing AI - Haleon

Microsoft Seeing AI app scanning health information on Sensodyne barcode. (Credit: PR Newswire/ Microsoft Corp.)

Haleon, a consumer health company, and technology company Microsoft have entered into a new partnership to expand the accessibility of healthcare products to blind or partially sighted people through the use of artificial intelligence (AI).

The partnership will expand the functionality of the Microsoft Seeing AI app to read out the detailed labelling information of over 1,500 Haleon products like Sensodyne, Centrum, Emergen-C, ChapStick and Aquafresh to visually impaired consumers.

Developed by a team of Microsoft engineers, the Seeing AI app aims to advance health inclusivity and assist those who have vision problems by explaining their surroundings.

The app will enable the customers to scan the barcode of Haleon items to hear packaging information like the product name, contents, and usage guidelines.

Through the partnership, Haleon will enable people to take control of their own health care by enabling them to listen to label information narrated through the application.

Haleon US chief marketing officer Katie Williams said: “We believe everyone should have access to self-care products, services and the information needed to make informed, proactive choices about their health needs.

“Haleon initiated this collaboration with Microsoft via its Seeing AI app to make consumer health more accessible, achievable and inclusive.”

Williams added: “We are proud to help make better everyday health more in reach for the blind and those with low vision.”

The Seeing AI app can be downloaded for free from the Apple App Store and will eventually be made accessible on Android.

Users should hold their phone camera over the package barcode to utilise Seeing AI on Haleon’s items, Microsoft said.

Users may listen to the relevant piece they wish to hear, such as the product’s taste or usage instructions, by skipping forward or going back. The product name and all other text on the packaging will be read aloud by the app.

The Haleon barcode feature will initially be made available in the US and the UK with plans to eventually go worldwide and support more languages.