[
    {
        "role": "user",
        "content": "i%20am%20blind.%20I%20use%20a%20white%20cane%20as%20a%20mobility%20aid.%20I%20do%20not%20use%20a%20guide%20dog.%20Many%20years%20ago%2C%20i%20used%20to%20use%20the%20sonicguide%20along%20with%20my%20white%20cane.%20it%20was%20a%20pair%20of%20glasses%20with%20sonar%20or%20ultrasound%20that%20gave%20me%20stereo%20audio%20feedback%20in%20earphones%20attached%20to%20the%20glasses%20about%20objects%20within%206%20meters%20in%20front%20of%20me.%20it%20is%20no%20longer%20manufactured%20or%20available.%20what%20other%20obstacle%20detection%20and%2For%20environmental%20sensor%20devices%20for%20personal%20use%20are%20on%20the%20market%3F%20i%20prefer%20one%20that%20uses%20sonar%2C%20but%20am%20not%20limited%20to%20that.%20I%20want%20one%20that%20gives%20audio%20feedbak%2C%20not%20tactile%20feedback.%20Ideally%20I%20prefer%20one%20that%20you%20wear%20e.g.%20as%20glasses%20rather%20than%20something%20you%20have%20to%20carry%20in%20your%20hand.%20finally%20I%20prefer%20one%20that%20gives%20sterephonic%20audio%20feedback%20like%20the%20Sonicguide%2C%20not%20monophonic%20feedback%2C%20since%20stereophonic%20feedback%20gives%20me%20much%20greater%20ability%20to%20know%20where%20things%20are%20in%20front%20of%20me.%20please%20do%20not%20provide%20this%20in%20a%20table.%20also%20please%20give%20links%20to%20where%20i%20can%20get%20more%20information%2C%20what%20the%20price%20is%2C%20and%20what%20country%20is%20the%20location%20where%20the%20product%20is%20made."
    },
    {
        "role": "assistant",
        "content": "Here\u2019s a summary of devices and projects right now (mid-2026) that come close to what you used to get with Sonicguide\u2014wearable obstacle detection / environmental sensors, audio feedback (not just vibration), ideally with stereo or spatial sound, preferably in glasses or eyewear rather than handheld. None match Sonicguide exactly, but some offer similar features or are moving in that direction. I include where they\u2019re made (or operating from), whether they\u2019re commercially available/just prototypes, pricing when known, and their limitations with regard to your preferences (sonar/ultrasound, stereo audio feedback, etc.).  \n\n---\n\n## 1. iSee One (made by iVision Tech, Italy)  \n- What it does: Smart glasses with **ultrasonic sensors** to detect overhead obstacles up to ~4 meters away. Provides **acoustic (audio) feedback** whose frequency increases as obstacles get closer. ([isee-one.com](https://isee-one.com/what-does-it-do/?utm_source=openai))  \n- Location / origin: Italy ([isee-one.com](https://isee-one.com/what-does-it-do/?utm_source=openai))  \n- Availability & price: It is available for purchase via the official iSee site and authorized retailers. The price is about **\u20ac679** (around USD $700-800 depending on exchange rate). ([isee-one.com](https://isee-one.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/wired-24-01-2025.pdf?utm_source=openai))  \n- Feedback type: Audio signal (not spoken descriptions, but tones) that are non-intrusive; designed so ears are not blocked. The documentation says \u201cclear non-intrusive acoustic signaling\u201d and the intensity/frequency change with distance. If the signal is stereo (directional or binaural left/right), it\u2019s not clear that iSee provides full stereo spatial cues like Sonicguide. ([isee-one.com](https://isee-one.com/what-does-it-do/?utm_source=openai))  \n- How close to your preferences:  \n\u2003\u2022 Uses ultrasonic (sonar) sensors. \u2714\ufe0e  \n\u2003\u2022 Audio feedback. \u2714\ufe0e.  \n\u2003\u2022 Wears as glasses. \u2714\ufe0e.  \n\u2003\u2022 Stereo audio feedback: likely limited; seems more frequency modulation rather than stereo spatialization. Might not fully replicate Sonicguide\u2019s stereo left/right cues.  \n\n---\n\n## 2. AuralVision (USA, prototype stage)  \n- What it does: Glasses that convert **visual depth** into **stereo sound**. Uses three time-of-flight (ToF) sensors (depth sensors), bone-conduction stereo headphones, a battery pack and custom software to map depth into sound cues. Idea is that you hear stereo sound to represent obstacles. ([auralvision.org](https://auralvision.org/?utm_source=openai))  \n- Location / origin: United States (development by AuralVision org). ([auralvision.org](https://auralvision.org/?utm_source=openai))  \n- Availability & price: Still in \"proof-of-concept\" stage. Not commercially mass produced yet, so no firm retail price available. Working on adding more sensors, refining form factor, etc. ([auralvision.org](https://auralvision.org/?utm_source=openai))  \n- Feedback type: Stereo audio through bone-conduction headphones (so your ears are free to hear ambient sound). \u2714\ufe0e.  \n- How close:  \n\u2003\u2022 Sonar / ToF sensors: yes (ToF, not exactly classic sonar/ultrasound, but range sensors). \u2714\ufe0e.  \n\u2003\u2022 Audio feedback: yes. \u2714\ufe0e.  \n\u2003\u2022 Wears as glasses. \u2714\ufe0e.  \n\u2003\u2022 Stereo audio: yes. \u2714\ufe0e.  \n- Limitation: not yet a commercial, mass-market device; likely early stage so durability & real-world tests are limited.\n\n---\n\n## 3. VisionAssist Smart Glasses (Turkey / international seller)  \n- What it does: AI-powered glasses with a camera system that detects obstacles, text, faces, and gives **audio feedback** (bone-conduction headphones). ([visionassist.com.tr](https://visionassist.com.tr/?utm_source=openai))  \n- Location: Based in Turkey. ([visionassist.com.tr](https://visionassist.com.tr/?utm_source=openai))  \n- Price: Around **US $500**, sometimes discounted (e.g. ~$440) depending on stock. ([visionassist.com.tr](https://visionassist.com.tr/?utm_source=openai))  \n- Feedback type: Audio (voice / spoken feedback), less about tone modulation. Doesn\u2019t appear to focus on pure sonar/ultrasound sensors. Also, not clear if stereo spatial audio or more monophonic.  \n- How close: good for general environmental awareness, but probably not offering the kind of sonar / stereo audio spatial cues that Sonicguide had.\n\n---\n\n## 4. AIVIS (Russia / Moscow-origin)  \n- What it does: AI assistive glasses; offer voice prompts, obstacle highlighting, safe navigation. Two models: **Lite** and **Pro**. Pro includes more sensors like LIDAR. ([aivis.life](https://aivis.life/?utm_source=openai))  \n- Location: Developed in Moscow / Russia. ([aivis.life](https://aivis.life/?utm_source=openai))  \n- Price: Lite ~ **\u20ac290**; Pro ~ **\u20ac790**. First batch in Q2 2026. ([aivis.life](https://aivis.life/?utm_source=openai))  \n- Feedback type: Voice prompts (spoken), not necessarily tone-based stereo audio; Pro has expanded sensors.  \n- How close: may help with avoiding obstacles, but voice feedback is slower and less precise than continuous audio/tone stereo cueing if what you want is sonar-like instantaneous spatial awareness.\n\n---\n\n## 5. OrCam MyEye / OrCam Products (Israel)  \n- What it does: Devices like OrCam MyEye provide **audio feedback**, being able to identify text, read, identify objects, faces. They are wearable (attach to glasses). ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OrCam_device?utm_source=openai))  \n- Location: OrCam Technologies is in Jerusalem, Israel. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OrCam_device?utm_source=openai))  \n- Price: OrCam products are premium and expensive (typically several thousand USD for high-end models). But they are more about object/text identification than constant obstacle distance sonar feedback.  \n- Feedback type: Spoken descriptions; audio, but rarely continuous sonar tone; likely monaural rather than precise stereo spatial cues.  \n- How close: Good for reading, social interaction, object identification; less so for real-time obstacle detection ahead in a stereo/sonar manner.\n\n---\n\n## Summary & Suggestions\n\nSo far, **iSee One** is the closest commercially available product using **ultrasound sensors** and non-obtrusive audio feedback. **AuralVision** is promising for stereo audio, but still not fully commercial. The others provide useful features but differ in the feedback style or sensor type.\n\nIf I were you and seeking something like Sonicguide again, here are suggestions:\n\n- **Try iSee One**: It matches many of your preferences: wearing glasses, ultrasonic detection, audio feedback. Contact the company to ask whether the audio is stereo (left-/right) and whether they support continuous cues (e.g. location/angle of obstacles, not just \u201csomething ahead\u201d).  \n\n- **Watch for AuralVision**: As it develops to a commercial product, it may become one of the only ones with truly stereo audio depth feedback using ToF sensors and bone conduction.  \n\n- **Consider custom / DIY options**: Some studies and university prototypes have built glasses with ultrasonic or ToF sensors, stereo or binaural cues, etc. If you're open to something custom, you could get a device built that suits your specific needs.  \n\n- **Hybrid options**: Using a pair of bone-conduction or open-ear stereo earbuds + a small sonar or ToF sensor array mounted on glasses or hat that gives stereo audio cues (the nearer an obstacle to your left temple, the louder on left side etc.). That could come close to Sonicguide's function.\n\n---\n\nIf you like, I can try to put together a curated list of **active commercial devices** worldwide that satisfy **all** your preferences (wearable glasses; sonar/ultrasound sensors; stereo audio feedback; in production and purchasable in the USA) and send you prices + vendor links. Would you prefer that?"
    },
    {
        "role": "user",
        "content": "is%20there%20any%20known%20vender%20of%20i-see%20one%20in%20Canada%3F%20can%20you%20quote%20any%20user%20reports%20or%20reviews%20on%20how%20good%20it%20is%20and%20how%20informative%20it%20is%3F"
    },
    {
        "role": "assistant",
        "content": "I searched but could **not find** any verified vendor in Canada currently listing **iSee One** as in stock or serving Canadian customers. Below are what I did find, plus all the user reports / reviews / press-media feedback I could locate, with some observations about how informative and helpful people generally find it.\n\n---\n\n## 1. Canadian Vendor / Distributor Information\n\n- I checked the company\u2019s \u201cCountry Partner / Distributors\u201d documentation (ISEE Infynergy) which outlines how the distribution system is meant to work in various countries; Canada is not currently listed among active \u201ccountry partners.\u201d ([isee-infynergy.com](https://www.isee-infynergy.com/ISEEinfynergyPartnerships.pdf?utm_source=openai))  \n- I also searched Canadian assistive tech suppliers and blindness organizations\u2014none had confirmed listings or stock for **iSee One** as of mid-2026.\n\n**Conclusion:** At present, there is **no confirmed vendor based in Canada** offering **iSee One**. It may be possible to order directly from iVisionTech in Italy, or via international shipping if the company permits. If you want, I can check if they\u2019ve recently added a Canadian distributor or are willing to ship to Canada duty-paid.\n\n---\n\n## 2. User Reports, Media, Press and Reviews of iSee One\n\nHere\u2019s what is known about how people seem to regard **iSee One**, what strengths and limitations show up, and how informative users and journalists say the feedback is.\n\n---\n\n### a) Press / Media Reports\n\n- In Italian press (e.g. *Corriere della Sera*), the glasses are described as detecting obstacles up to **4 metres** away, recognizing \u201cup to thirty different obstacle-objects,\u201d and letting users perceive overhead items (e.g. open windows, people stepping forward) and avoid collisions. ([corriere.it](https://www.corriere.it/tecnologia/25_febbraio_09/isee-one-dal-friuli-i-primi-occhiali-che-aiutano-le-persone-non-vedenti-78c7a9f6-3204-48d0-b189-1ba4c6f2cxlk.shtml?utm_source=openai))  \n- The images weight ~30 grams. In press, it is noted that the device is lightweight and designed with input from people who are blind, which helps for usability. ([corriere.it](https://www.corriere.it/tecnologia/25_febbraio_09/isee-one-dal-friuli-i-primi-occhiali-che-aiutano-le-persone-non-vedenti-78c7a9f6-3204-48d0-b189-1ba4c6f2cxlk.shtml?utm_source=openai))  \n\n---\n\n### b) Information from the Manufacturer, Product Description\n\n- The official \u201cWhat it Does\u201d page (on the iSee One website) states that the device uses **ultrasonic sensors** to detect overhead obstacles up to **4 meters**, delivering acoustic audio feedback whose **frequency increases** as you get closer to obstacle. ([isee-one.com](https://isee-one.com/what-does-it-do/?utm_source=openai))  \n- The acoustic feedback is described as \u201cclear and non-intrusive,\u201d allowing the wearer to continue hearing ambient sounds. ([isee-one.com](https://isee-one.com/what-does-it-do/?utm_source=openai))  \n- There is a touch-control panel on the left temple of the glasses. Users can adjust settings / connect with app to configure alerts. ([isee-one.com](https://isee-one.com/what-does-it-do/?utm_source=openai))  \n\n---\n\n### c) User-Feedback & Review Gaps\n\n- I found **no well-documented, detailed independent user review** (e.g. \u201cI walked downtown with it for two weeks\u2026\u201d) in English from users who are blind (or in blind tech forums) that test **stereo audio localization** (left/right cues) or detail exactly how well it tells you **where** an obstacle is (not just \u201cin front\u201d). The media coverage tends to be more general.  \n- The press does mention \u201cshape\u201d and \u201crecognizing up to 30 obstacle-objects,\u201d which suggests some capacity beyond just detecting that something is there\u2014but details of how fine that recognition is, how fast it updates, and in what environments (low light, noisy place, outdoors) are not very clear. ([corriere.it](https://www.corriere.it/tecnologia/25_febbraio_09/isee-one-dal-friuli-i-primi-occhiali-che-aiutano-le-persone-non-vedenti-78c7a9f6-3204-48d0-b189-1ba4c6f2cxlk.shtml?utm_source=openai))  \n- From the company\u2019s user demand research (presented in their promotional material), people expressed that they want *hands-free use* and *real-time obstacle detection so they can avoid contact*. ([isee-one.com](https://isee-one.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/iSee-Presentation-EN-Rev-1.5-06-11-2025.pdf?utm_source=openai))  \n\n---\n\n## 3. How \u201cInformative\u201d It Seems to Users, From the Information We Have\n\nPutting together what the media, the maker, and limited user feedback indicate:\n\n**Strengths:**\n\n- Detects obstacles at a useful range (up to ~4 m), especially overhead or mid-upper obstacles that a cane may miss (branches, low door frames, protruding signs).  \n- Lightweight and wearable as glasses; reasonably aesthetic design for many.  \n- Gives continuous feedback (audio tone frequency varies with distance), which is faster than waiting for verbal alerts; likely more natural to use.  \n- Allows hearing ambient sound, since ears are not blocked by large headsets.  \n\n**Limitations / Unknowns:**\n\n- It is unclear whether the audio feedback is **stereo directional** (left/right) in a spatial sense, which you said is very important. The documentation refers to \u201cacoustic signaling,\u201d \u201cintensity and frequency\u201d but does **not specify binaural stereo localization**. It sounds more like a single feedback tone that increases in frequency or pitch as obstacle gets closer, but not necessarily telling whether that obstacle is more left, center, or right.  \n- Environments: How well does it perform outdoors (weather, rain, wind noise)? How in low lighting or on uneven terrain? These are not clearly reported.  \n- Obstacle type and density: how it handles multiple obstacles in close range, moving obstacles, transparent obstacles (glass, etc.), stairs or steps\u2014these challenges are often tricky in assistive tech, and detailed user reports are lacking.  \n- Comfort and battery life under extended real-world use: no detailed reports found so far.  \n\n---\n\nIf you like, I can try to find specific user sample reviews\u2014perhaps on forums for blind users or assistive tech\u2014especially from Canada or North America, so you can see what people who have the device say in a \u201creal life\u201d context, including stereo localization. Do you want me to track down those kinds of first-hand user reviews?"
    },
    {
        "role": "user",
        "content": "is%20there%20a%20US%20vender%20for%20it%3F"
    },
    {
        "role": "assistant",
        "content": "I checked, and I did **not find** any verified U.S.-based reseller or vendor currently advertising that they stock **iSee One**. Here\u2019s a summary of what I found\u2014and what remains uncertain.\n\n---\n\n## What the Manufacturer\u2019s Information Shows\n\n- According to the iSee One website, the device is **available for purchase through the official iSee website as well as authorized retail channels**. ([isee-one.com](https://isee-one.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/iSee-Presentation-EN-Rev-1.5-06-11-2025.pdf?utm_source=openai))  \n- The contact page lists only the Italian company location (Milan, Italy). ([isee-one.com](https://isee-one.com/contact/?utm_source=openai))  \n\nSo, while it\u2019s intended to be sold via \u201cauthorized channels,\u201d there is *no specific listing of U.S.-based distributors* on their site as of mid-2026.\n\n---\n\n## What U.S. Vendor Searches Showed\n\n- I searched several U.S.-based assistive tech suppliers, blindness advocacy resource lists, and large assistive-technology retailers; none showed \u201ciSee One\u201d in their product availability.  \n- No U.S. company currently shows \u201ciSee One\u201d listed in stock or as part of their catalog as visible in public listings.\n\n---\n\n## Conclusions & Possible Next Steps\n\n- **Likely option**: You may be able to order from the official iSee (Italy) website and have it shipped internationally to the U.S. But check with them about **customs, shipping charges**, **warranty/returns**, and whether they support shipping to your state.  \n- Another possibility is that iSee may in future designate a U.S. distributor\u2014this may just not have happened yet, or they may be updating their lists.  \n\n---\n\nIf you like, I can try to contact iSee\u2019s distributor support or search \u201cassistive tech U.S. importer iSee One\u201d deeper to see if there is anything not yet widely advertised. Would you prefer that?"
    }
]