For bird identification when the Bird ID setting is active, AX Visio uses a modified version of Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Merlin Bird Identification‘s extensive bird database. The Mammals ID, Butterfly ID and Dragonfly ID settings on the binoculars are powered by the Sunbird Database. However, while mammals and flying insects can currently only be identified in Europe and North America, the Bird ID software works everywhere, even in Antarctica.
ID apps use a combination of image recognition and geolocation, enabled by a built-in GPS sensor that tells the software where you are in the world. This can help it determine which species you are probably looking at.
Look out
I am a amateur ornithologistand I had the chance to test the AX Visio in the field at andBeyond Phinda Private Game Reserve in South Africa. (Swarovski took me there to field test the binoculars.) Guests at the preserve can currently rent the binoculars for $40 per day, with proceeds benefiting local conservation projects.
At first, I was overwhelmed by using a pair of technology-powered binoculars; I was afraid it would be difficult to master the camera and species identification. Fortunately, they are quite user-friendly. On the bridge of the binoculars is the mode dial, which rotates easily to move between the AX Visio’s settings, including species identification modes for birds, mammals, butterflies and dragonflies . There’s also a photography mode, which uses the built-in camera to take a photo, along with other settings.
For correct identification, the binoculars must be held steady and properly focused so that the imaging system has a clear image of the animal. When you point the binoculars at a bird, a red circle appears in your field of view, and as long as the animal fills most of that circle, it is close enough to be identified. Press the embossed button on the top of the binoculars and within seconds the creature’s name will appear on the screen.
I was impressed that the binoculars accurately identified very small birds. AX Visio correctly identified a 5 inch long object Malachite Kingfisher which was clearly visible on a branch above the water 30 meters away. Later I spotted a 9 inch long bee-eater camouflaged in a tree 100 meters away, but it was too far for the AX Visio to identify the bird. Unfortunately, sometimes a bird was clearly visible in the red circle, but the binoculars displayed an error message stating that there were no birds to identify.
