Mr Reynolds, 45, from Portsmouth, aims to redefine the app's capabilities by using it for the demanding marathon. He is running in support of the Fight for Sight charity, and hopes the challenge will help tackle the stigma around sight loss and perception of blind people. Mr Reynolds has the inherited condition of Retinitis Pigmentosa and describes his vision like looking underwater, seeing shadows and shapes.
He started using Rayban Meta AI glasses last year and has also used them to go to art galleries and have the art described to him in the voice of Dame Judi Dench. The Be My Eyes app typically connects visually impaired individuals with volunteers worldwide for everyday tasks, such as locating household items or identifying products. Connecting the app to the glasses, the artist voice commands for Be My Eyes to be activated and gets linked up to a volunteer ready to help, who can see Mr Reynolds' view through his glasses.
On training for his marathon so far he has had more than 100 helpers, his first volunteer was a woman from Virginia, USA and others include a Scottish woman on holiday in Thailand and a retired naval officer in Canada. Volunteers support him by pointing out bins or parked cars, as well as having 'amazing conversations'. Usually, volunteers get involved because a member of their family have sight loss.
Mr Reynolds previously ran the London Marathon with a guide. Key unknowns about the event and technology include the specific date of the Brighton Marathon, which has not been confirmed, and how many volunteers are expected to assist during the actual marathon event. The technical specifications or limitations of the Meta AI glasses and Be My Eyes app integration for this use remain unclear, and it is not verified by any official organization or authority as a 'world first' in AI application for marathons.
Additionally, the fundraising goal or amount set for the Fight for Sight charity through this marathon effort has not been disclosed.