Computer chip giant Intel has revealed the latest product to their range, a device able to translate written text into audio. Aimed at those who have reading disabilities such as dyslexia, and those that are vision impaired, the Reader, as it is known, will hit shelves on November 17th.
Previously unveiled in the states, the Reader has an estimated retail value of £1000. Its breaks previous conforms where specialist devices were made by specific smaller companies, rather than computer giants such as Intel. Approximately the size of a standard paperback book, the Reader uses an Intel Atom processor, along with a small camera, to translate text on the tablet into an audio form for the consumer.
Developed by dyslexic user Ben Foss, he explained “As someone who is part of the dyslexic community, I am thrilled to be able to help level the playing field for people who, like me, do not have easy access to the printed word.” He added that “The Intel Reader is a tool that can help give people with dyslexia, low-vision and blindness – or other reading-based disabilities – access to the resources they need to be successful in school, work and life.” It is estimated that up to eight million people within the UK could benefit from the device, two million individuals with eyesight problems, and a further six million who suffer from dyslexia.
Meanwhile the chief executive of the British Dyslexia Association, Judi Stewart, welcomed the device saying “This device has the potential to offer a great deal of independence to people who have a difficulty with reading.”
