The Intel Reader

takes pictures of text and reads it aloud. It's designed to provide access to printed text for people with dyslexia, low vision or blindness. Intel's Digital Health Group researched and designed the mobile Intel Reader, which is built on the Intel Atom processor and run on the Moblin operating system. The original concept is from Intel researcher Ben Foss, who is one of the estimated 20 percent of people in the US who have symptoms of dyslexia.

"As someone who is part of this 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. Feelings of loneliness are often the experience of not being able to read easily. The Intel Reader is a tool that can help give people with dyslexia, low-vision, blindness or other reading-based disabilities access to the resources they need to participate and be successful in school, work and life."

The Intel device may seem awkwardly chunky, but its designed for withstanding being knocked about or perhaps mistakenly dropped. The video here demonstrates its ubiquitous uses, such as being able to connect via USB to a computer and its cleverly designed case even allows you to shoot photographs while it's packed away. It's not your average e-reader, since it will apparently be offered for around US$1500, which seems rather sad for less fortunate people !

Via