DUBAI, UAE, Oct 7, (Agencies): Snapchat, in collaboration with Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture, has introduced an augmented reality lens aimed at enhancing interactive experiences for individuals with hearing impairments. Unveiled at the Riyadh International Book Fair on September 28, hosted at King Saud University in Riyadh, this innovative lens leverages machine learning technology to accurately recognize and interpret 28 distinct hand gestures from the Arabic alphabet, as used in Arabic Sign Language.

Mohammed Hasan Alwan, CEO of the Literature, Publishing & Translation Commission, expressed the uniqueness and innovation of this year's participation in the book fair. He emphasized the introduction of special services for the deaf community and the positive impact of augmented reality experiences in promoting cultural exchange and improving literature accessibility for diverse segments of society.

The book fair showcases an intriguing 3D technology display, encouraging attendees to engage in an interactive experience where books come to life through a selfie camera. Each tap on the camera reveals inspirational quotes, adding an exciting dimension to the event. Additionally, a specially designed lens experience for children will be introduced, designed to instill a love for reading. This experience will take users on a hot air balloon journey, featuring a balloon shaped like a book, bearing the message "Reading Uplifts You," along with the Riyadh Book Fair's logo and branding.

This Arabic sign language lens is a significant milestone for Snapchat, marking its debut in the Middle East and North Africa region. According to Abdulla Alhammadi, regional business lead for the Saudi market at Snap Inc., a survey revealed that 83 percent of consumers express interest in augmented reality for learning. Alhammadi believes that AR offers remarkable opportunities to enhance learning, from educational guides to recipes and more. He views AR as the next technological advancement with the potential to impact various industries, emphasizing the power of AI-driven AR to enhance creativity and utility.