A first look at the RealSAM Smart Speaker [AD]
RealSAM very kindly gave me access to their Smart Speaker ahead of its launch 1st March 2021. This is a sponsored blog post, but all views are my own.
During this review I will look at:
What is RealSAM?
RealSAM is a range of voice-controlled products that allow visually impaired people to access information.
The latest being the RealSAM Smart Speaker which launches 8th March. It’s a voice-controlled media player which you run through a Google Home or Amazon Alexa.
At launch, it is currently only compatible with a Google Home.
Price options
The RealSAM Smart Speaker is a subscription service.
It will be available to existing RealSAM customers for a promotional rate:
- one-off payment of £9.95 (lasts until 31st December 2021)
- then becomes £3.95 a month (from 1st January 2022)
New customers can subscribe to the RealSAM Smart Speaker:
- one-off payment of £19.90 (lasts until 31st December 2021)
- then becomes £9.95 a month (from 1st January 2022)
This gives you a great launch deal and allows you to try out the software while new features are still being added.
Features
Using the RealSAM Smart Speaker allows you to listen to:
- the radio
- podcasts
- audiobooks
- news
- weather
- the information hub
This might sound like an Alexa or Google Home. But, the information hub, content providers and navigation that makes this product unique.
It’s the first smart speaker to have an information hub for visually impaired people. This will give people access to the information they need, in an accessible format. It’s a great lifeline, especially when adjusting to assistive technology or wanting to get the latest information from sight loss charities.
Content providers
The RealSAM Smart Speaker gives you access to information from:
- Calibre Audio Library
- Torch Trust
- Henshaws
- Galloways
- Blind Veterans UK
- Librivox audiobook libraries
- RNIB Library (in 2021)
This list will continue to grow, making it such a comprehensive resource and media player. The fact it connects to existing smart speakers means it’s tailored to the user.
Navigation
I love the navigation on RealSAM. When you’re given a list of items or actions, it numbers them 1 to 5. This means you only need to say the number to select the option you want. The number system makes it a lot quicker and accurate.
Another great feature is the ability to give more than one command at once. Previously on smart speakers, you would have to ask one thing at a time. I believe this feature will allow visually impaired people to access information at a quicker speed.
Not only is this great in general, it puts us more on par with reading speed. Therefore, if audio is your preferred method of accessing things you’re on to a winner with RealSAM.
My experience
RealSAM has a really strong foundation. This could revolutionize how visually impaired people access information on a daily basis.
It was really easy to set up and I could instantly access the content I wanted. This could be partly due to using an Alexa for a few years, but it would be easy to learn if you haven’t experienced a smart speaker before.
One of the first things I searched for was podcasts. Due to experiencing eye strain, I’m trying to use audio alternatives whenever I can. There were so many to choose from, but daily TED Talks quickly become a firm favourite.
When I knew it had TED Talks, RealSAM could play the latest episode in a single command. The ease of this meant I regularly listened to them. Not only does this allow my eyes to rest, the range of topics and information has been so interesting.
Yet this is merely scratches the surface! The Calibre Audio Library is amazing addition to the RealSAM Smart Speaker. I’ve never come across this library of audiobooks before, yet so glad to have found them. They are a charity that gives free access to audiobooks if you have a print disability. Print disability can include:
- dyslexia
- cognitive difficulties
- visual impairment
- lower dexterity due to a physical disability
These are the two features that I kept going back to, but I know there is still so much to explore. For example, the information hub gave relevant advice that was up to date and helpful.
Final thoughts
The navigation has built a such strong foundation for this product. With extra features becoming available, the possibilities of this product are endless. Due to this, the product is a great investment that will only continue to get better.
I look forward to seeing what RealSAM adds to the media player. and how the integrated navigation continues to make it a joy to use. Even with the limited resources that are available at the moment, it’s a good piece of technology.
There are so many different types of smart speakers and assistive technology. I love the ease of smart speakers. However, RealSAM has specific resources for visually impaired people, making it more user-led.
Be sure to check out RealSAM and I wish them all the best for their launch!
~Chloe x
