The team behind the RealSAM UK Smart Speaker, has been recognised for two awards at the 2021 Computing Rising Stars Awards, winning both Team of the Year and Digital Person of the Year for UK Manager, Louise Humphreys.
At the height of the pandemic RealThing Ai launched a news and entertainment service for the UK’s Blind and Partially Sighted community that can be accessed on Google and Amazon Smart Speakers.
This central hub makes it easy to read audiobooks, play podcasts or stream news from 15 sight loss charities, rather than having to download multiple apps or skills, which was particularly helpful for people isolated from loved ones and essential support services.
Since launch the RealSAM speaker has quickly gained traction with the Blind community, with the team also winning the Global Project Voice Award for Digital Books AI Developer of the Year.
Judged by a panel of experts from organisations including Barclays, The Financial Times and The Wellcome Trust, The Rising Stars Awards celebrate emerging talent and shine a spotlight on the organisations that help develop new talent in the Digital industry.
The RealThing Ai team was commended for both the success of its core product and the teamwork they displayed in bringing it to market. In winning Digital Person of the Year, Louise was congratulated on her ability to navigate change and embrace challenge during the Coronavirus pandemic.
Commenting on the Awards, Nick Howden, Managing Director of RealThing Ai said:
“We’re thrilled to be recognised by The Rising Stars Awards and congratulate all of the finalists on their achievements during a challenging year.
I’m particularly proud of how our small team worked together to bring our Smart Speaker product to market, collaborating across three time zones while remaining focused on delivering a product that understood and met the needs of our customers in the Blind community. Our focus now is on continuing to add more fun and useful content to the service, before launching in our other global markets later this year”.
About RealThing Ai
Founded in Melbourne, Australia, RealThing Ai is a global business specialising in accessible AI technology. RealThing AI technology is powered by voice, making complex technology products accessible to anyone with visual impairments or sight loss. Users who are blind or have little vision are given the ability to search for audiobooks from a variety of libraries, talking newspaper collections, podcasts, talking magazines and radio stations using a voice activated smartphone or smart speaker.
For more information visit www.realthing.ai or www.realsam.co.uk
About The Rising Stars Awards
Hosted by Computing, the UK’s leading business technology publication for IT leaders, The Rising Stars Awards celebrate emerging talent in digital. They recognise and identify the sector’s future leaders, as well as shine the spotlight on the organisations and individuals that help to foster and develop new talent in the industry.
For more information, including details of all categories and finalists, visit: Rising Star Awards 2021 (computing.co.uk)
