Intel Reader Innovates Text to Voice

Introduced on [November 10](http://bit.ly/705YqP), the [Intel Reader](http://bit.ly/4VaHH1) is inspiring many people to learn more about what exacetly the device does, how it works and what’s inside.
In short, the [Intel Reader](http://www.reader.intel.com) is a mobile device that can help increase independence for people who have challenges reading printed text, including people living with dyslexia, low vision or blindness. It converts printed text to digital text, then reads it aloud.
I first got to visit one of the lead Intel Reader designers,[Ben Foss](http://download.intel.com/pressroom/kits/healthcare/reader/pdfs/Bio_Ben_Foss.pdf), at his home a few weeks prior to the product introduction. On that day, he allowed me to shoot this video of him showing how the Intel works.

Here’s a link to view a [longer version of the video](http://bit.ly/1d8PoC), where Ben shares more insights, anecdotes and accessories related to the Intel Reader.
Since then, I’ve had the chance to see Ben again a few times:
- at [media briefing in San Francisco](http://intelpr.feedroom.com/?fr_story=afc027320bc27340ca8cb30eabe363553208a9e2&rf=bm)
- again today, when I joined him at the [Fox Business News TV ](http://bit.ly/7V0kGY) studio in San Francisco, where FOX reporters shared their excitement on how this device is a much needed and promising innovation
Ben’s personal experience of living with dyslexia is telling, especially when you hear how his mother helped him succeed from kindergarten up through Law School. This real-life experiences blended with extensive research, field studies, and hardware and software refinements is what it took create this device.
At the heart of the reader is an Intel Atom processor and a Linux-based [Moblin](http://moblin.org/) operating system. The device has a five-magapixel, autofocus camera, jack for earphones (where the audio quality is splendid), weighs less than one-and-a-hlaf pounds and comes with a nifty, over-the-shoulder protective carrying case.
Several technology writers have shared their take on the Intel Reader, including:
- [Walt Mossberg](http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704204304574543922306930580.html) of The Wall Street Journal
- [Engadget](http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/10/intel-reader-reads-books-to-the-lazy-and-infirm-video/)
- [Gizmodo](http://gizmodo.com/5401168/the-intel-reader-photographs-text-and-reads-it-back-to-you)
- [Ubergizmo](http://www.ubergizmo.com/15/archives/2009/11/intel_reader_from_printed_text_to_spoken_words.html)
- [VentureBeat](http://venturebeat.com/2009/11/09/intel-introduces-a-digital-book-reader-for-the-blind/)
- [SiliconValleyWatcher ](http://www.siliconvalleywatcher.com/mt/archives/2009/11/intel_moves_fur.php)
I have shared our video and some of these reviews on the [Intel Fan Page in Facebook](http://www.facebook.com/intel).and we’re seeing lots of comments and questions about the device, including a few people interested in using the device in their [education curriculum](http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=180541176433) or their local vision imparied community group.
There are more things to learn about the Intel Reader, like what are the [hardware specs](http://download.intel.com/pressroom/kits/healthcare/reader/pdfs/ProductBrief_Intel_Reader.pdf) and does it support common formats used by existing devices for vision impaired? If you have questions, please share them here in the comment section.
You can also learn more by joining the [Intel Reader Fan Page](http://www.facebook.com/IntelReader) in Facebook and following on [Twitter](http://www.twitter.com/intelreader).