The knfbReader Mobile and kReader Mobile are released!

Press release      knfbReader Mobile held by a hand

Melbourne 29 January 2008: Pacific Vision is a Melbourne company that specializes in sourcing equipment that can assist people that have Low Vision and people that are Blind to read. We are proud to announce an exciting product line that will revolutionize access to print for anyone who has difficulty seeing or reading print, the knfbReader Mobile and the kReader Mobile.

The knfbReader Mobile and kReader Mobile, developed by K-NFB Reading Technology Inc. from the USA, are truly pocket-size readers. They are based on the Nokia N82 mobile phone and are the smallest text-to-speech reading devices in history. It enables users to take pictures of and read printed material, text on ATM Machines and on computer screens at the push of a button. Blind users hear the contents of the document read in clear synthetic speech, while users who can see the screen and those with learning disabilities can enlarge, track and highlight printed materials using the phone’s easy-to-read display. The Reader gives immediate access to printed information whether it is a menu or a letter.

 

The Nokia N82 phone with its integrated high-resolution camera is one of the first phones that allow Optical Character Recognition (OCR) and text-to-speech conversion technology to effectively operate in a very small hand-held device. The Nokia N82 phone comes with the knfbReader Mobile software and either Talks and Zooms software, developed by Nuance from the USA or Mobile Speak, developed by Code Factory from Spain, so the phone is fully accessible by not only people that have vision problems but also people that have learning disabilities.

 


If you need more information
please feel free to give us a call or ask for a quote.

Phone: 03 9016 0742

Email: Jon@PacificVision.info

 

 

the screen of the knfbReader showing highlighted text
 

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is the Mobile Reader product line?
    The Mobile Reader Product line from KNFB Reading Technologies is a software package designed to run on Nokia N82 mobile phones. The knfbReader Mobile is designed primarily for use by blind or vision impaired individuals. The kReader Mobile is designed primarily for use by sighted individuals who have learning or reading difficulties. The individual product for installation is chosen at time of installation. In Australia both Readers come with Talks / Zooms software that gives full access to all the phone’s menus.
  2. What is unique about this software?
    It is the world’s first reading machine to be contained within a cell phone, providing true portability within a multi-function device.
  3. What is the difference between knfbReader Mobile and kReader Mobile?
    In the first release there are few differences in the feature set. In subsequent releases the feature set will diverge more. Currently the knfbReader contains a Field of View spoken report giving feedback on camera position over the document to be read.
  4. Do I need to purchase a Nokia N82 phone myself?
    No, Pacific Vision has to adapt the phone and we will supply it to you with all software installed.
  5. Is it necessary to activate the Nokia N82 and use it as a phone in order to use the Mobile Reader Software?
    No. The device can be used as a standalone reading machine if that is the preferred method. It is not necessary to use the phone features in order to have a working reading machine.
  6. Is it necessary to have phone access software to use the Mobile Reader software?
    No. The Mobile Reader has its own synthetic speech which operates independently of phone access software. The Mobile Reader products come with Talks and Zooms software installed to access the menus of the phone.
  7. Can I use the new reader as a phone as well?
    Yes. This is a full featured GSM cell phone. The user will need to activate the phone service through a cell phone provider.
  8. Will the knfbReader software make my device accessible as a cell phone?
    No. The Talks and Zooms or Mobile Speak software that is supplied with the unit will.
  9. Does the N82 have other functions in addition to the cell phone?
    Yes. It has many other features such as web browsing, personal information management, MP3 player, podcasting and many more.
  10. When can I obtain the knfbReader or kReader Mobile?
    The units should be shipping by no later than February 15, 2008.
  11. Will there be software upgrades and/or new voices available for my Mobile Reader?
    Yes. We will make regular updates to your software. Purchasers are entitled to one year of free upgrades as they become available. It will be necessary for end users to register their product with KNFB Reading Technology in order to be notified of available updates.
  12. Is the Mobile Reader available in languages in addition to English?
    No. Additional languages can be expected in the future.