Fans of new tech
Gadget will let fans read programmes
CELTIC fan Ian White wants to break down barriers with his Old Firm rivals.
And his part in spreading groundbreaking tech will help visually impaired Rangers supporters enjoy stadium tours.
With ambitions to take the recognition technology across Scottish grounds, it will be a huge step forward for fans – whatever their allegiance.
A CELTIC supporter has helped Rangers become the first football club in the UK to introduce groundbreaking technology to help blind and visually impaired fans.
Ian White, 56, works for OrCam – the company behind the MyEye 2 device. It uses artificial intelligence to analyse visual information like text and photographs, which it then relays back to the user.
Fans will be able to book the device through the Rangers website before they visit.
When they arrive, they will be given a quick training session by Rangers staff and then be able to borrow the gadget.
The device clips on to the leg of a pair of glasses and the user points at the text or photograph they want to find out about.
It means that on stadium tours, fans will be able to enjoy match programmes.
Ian, who is registered blind, uses OrCam in his day-to-day life.
He said: “Being able to read the programme on a match day is a really big thing. It makes you feel much more part of the whole day. “
Ian, of Troon, has also been in touch with Celtic, Aberdeen, Hibs, Hearts and the national team and is hoping they will follow Rangers’ lead in providing the equipment for their supporters.
Rangers health, safety and access manager Liz Kay said: “This is a huge step for the club towards helping blind and visually impaired fans.
“The impact it will have on our fans is immeasurable and we are excited to put it into use.”