For bird identification when the Bird ID setting is activated, AX Visio uses a modified version of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology merlin bird id's comprehensive bird database. The Mammal ID, Butterfly ID and Dragonfly ID settings on binoculars are powered by sunbird databaseHowever, while mammals and flying insects can currently be identified only in Europe and North America, the Bird ID software works everywhere – even in Antarctica.
Identity 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 you figure out what species you are probably looking at.
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i am one amateur bird watcherAnd I got a chance to test AX Visio in the field And beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve In South Africa. (Swarowski took me there to test the binoculars in the field.) Guests of the reserve can currently rent binoculars for $40 per day, with proceeds benefiting local conservation projects.
Initially, I was underwhelmed by the technology using a pair of telescopes; I was worried that the camera and species identification would be difficult to master. Luckily, they are quite user-friendly. On the bridge of the binoculars is the mode-selection wheel, which is easily rotated to move between the AX Visio's settings, including species identification modes for birds, mammals, butterflies, and dragonflies. There's also a mode for photography, which uses the onboard camera for taking photos and other settings.
For proper identification, the binoculars must be held steady and properly focused so that the imaging system has a clear shot of the animal. When you point binoculars at a bird, a red circle appears in your field of vision, and as long as the animal fills most of that circle, it is close enough to identify. Press the raised button on the top of the binoculars and within a few seconds the name of the creature will be displayed on the screen.
I was impressed by how accurately the binoculars identified very small birds. AX Visio correctly identified 5 inches long malachite kingfisher Which was clearly visible on a branch above the water 30 meters away. Later, I saw 9 inches long to address Hid in a tree 100 meters away, but the bird was too far away for AX Visio to identify. Frustratingly, sometimes a bird was clearly visible within the red circle but the binoculars would display an error message that there was no bird to identify.