In our 2024 Explorer Survey, people identified three main categories of tasks: describing, reading, and technical assistance. Since 2020, the use of visual interpreting to assist with computer and other technical tasks has surged significantly. A whopping 62% of respondents reported using Aira to troubleshoot when screen readers or magnification software fail. Another 65% rely on our service to navigate inaccessible online forms, while 66% use visual interpreters to interact with inaccessible website elements or captchas.

How does tech troubleshooting with Aira work?

Need visual assistance with a website or online task? Aira’s secure visual interpreters are available from either the Aira Explorer mobile app or our web app, accessible at https://explorer.aira.io. From either app, you can share your screen.

Our mobile app is limited to screen sharing on iPhones or iPads. Some Android phones support remote control, but this feature is becoming less common. On the web app, we have a screen-sharing function. To remotely control the computer, you’ll need a third-party solution.

Several options are available for remote computer control. For Windows, Microsoft Quick Assist is a popular choice. To enable Quick Assist, check the “Customize Your Call” button under the home screen of either app. We also use Team Viewer and Chrome Remote Desktop. In 2024, we launched the Remote Incident Manager (RIM) solution for both PCs and Macs. 

Once you’ve connected the remote control solution to your visual interpreter, they can activate controls, fill in forms, and describe images. After completing the task, the interpreter will close the remote solution before ending the call.

 

What if your computer is frozen or just not responding? 

Our mobile app comes in handy when you need assistance with reading computer screens. Simply point your phone at the screen, as sometimes computer screens can be challenging to read using a smartphone camera. Our interpreter will do their best to provide you with helpful information to get back on track.

If you use JAWS, ZoomText, or Fusion from Vispero, our visual interpreters can offer basic technical support after hours. Learn more about the Vispero access offer in our blog post.

 

Another aspect of our app’s usefulness is its efficiency. 

When you need to complete a task quickly or when browsing with synthetic speech and limited descriptions becomes tiring, Aira is the solution. Visual interpreters can assist in filling out forms, searching for and describing products, and much more. Companies like Target and Walmart offer Aira free when browsing their websites and in stores.

Aira can help you maximize your productivity and efficiency, regardless of how you use your computer.