How Jimmy, a Blind Artist & Content Creator Uses ally to Assist in Music & Gaming

Jimmy’s favorite platform to use ally is on the Envision Glasses because it’s hands-free which makes the experience even more seamless

The Power of Customization and Ubiquity

How far can assistive AI go? For Jimmy Lewis Swain — a blind singer-songwriter, producer, and content creator — the answer is limitless. With ally, the AI assistant integrated into Envision Glasses, Jimmy doesn’t just use technology; he reimagines it. From customizing ally’s personalities to navigating video games and daily life, Jimmy turns accessibility into creativity.

A Journey from Curiosity to Confidence

Jimmy’s journey began with hesitation. Initially, he considered other wearables but discovered Envision Glasses through a Project Search program. “At first, I was hesitant. I worried they’d look weird on me,” Jimmy admitted. But with support from Envision’s team, he embraced the glasses and their unique assistant, ally. “The best version of ally is on the Envision Glasses,” Jimmy says, appreciating its portability and hands-free accessibility.

Custom AI Personalities and Creative Problem-Solving

Jimmy took customization to a new level by creating three distinct Ally personalities:

• Lydia focuses on accessibility and support.

• Melissa offers business advice.

• Bucky provides practical, hands-on guidance.

“I can say, ‘I need to talk to Bucky,’ and ally will switch over. It’s the same voice, but it feels like different people.” This playful approach makes ally a true companion and opens new possibilities for problem-solving and creativity.

Creativity Meets Gaming: Playing Grand Theft Auto with ally

Jimmy even brought ally into gaming, using it to navigate Grand Theft Auto V. “I’d unmute the mic and ask, ‘What’s on the screen?’ ally gave me a left-to-right layout of the game screen,” he explains. This innovation transformed a highly visual game into an accessible experience.

Daily Life and Accessibility: ally in the Real World

Beyond gaming, ally shines in everyday life. While shopping at Sam’s Club, Jimmy identified a store employee’s details — down to her pink iPad case — using ally. “My mom didn’t even notice that!” he recalls.

What’s Next for Jimmy?

Jimmy dreams of further customization, like adding unique voices to ally’s personalities or enabling video editing. “It’s one thing to identify what’s on the screen, but taking action on it? That’s the next level.”

Curious to hear more about Jimmy’s creative journey with ally? Listen to the full podcast episode and gain deeper insights into how assistive technology is opening new possibilities for creativity, gaming, and everyday life.

Experience ally for Yourself

Discover the power of ally and Envision Glasses here. Join the ally beta.