Intel Launches Ereader for the Blind
Intel this week launched the Intel Reader, a device aimed at helping the blind and people with reading-based disabilities such as Dyslexia or low vision.
The Reader is, of course, Atom-powered and while at first glance it looks a lot like an ereader, it's not your average Kindle copycat. The device combines Intel's Atom processor with with a 5mp camera. The camera captures an image of the printed text and the Reader then converts it into a digital format, which it plays back to the user in a "lifelike" male or female voice. It can also display with different levels of magnification on the device's 4.3-inch 16:9 LCD.
The Reader boasts a 4GB Intel SSD, as well as USB and mini USB support, weighs 1.38 lbs. With a fully charged battery, it can play over 4 hours of text-to-speech or .mp3 audio, capture and process over 85 images of text or remain in standby for up to 5 days. It also comes with the option for purchasing the Portable Capture Station, which aids users in capturing large amounts of text, such as a chapter or an entire book
Available in the US through select resellers, the device comes with a hefty price tag. Don Johnston is selling it for $1,499 and the capture station will cost you an extra $399.
More here if you're interested.
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They could do it with a braille screen or something too maybe, since I'm guessing there's a more direct translation of letters. Not having trouble seeing I've no idea if it'd be any easier or just messy.
I personally think it's a slight pointless to give it such a heavy price tag. Most people in a disabled condition may have to go quite a bit over their budget to get this let alone with the add-on.
Also it makes me wonder HOW blind people will manage to use it. Sure, people with trouble reading would manage to use it but how would a blind person know if there's a sign close by? Is there something I'm missing out on here?