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<H1 class=entry-title>The author of this article would like Braille readers to
comment...</H1>
<H1 class=entry-title><A
title="http://geekbeat.tv/snail-reader-concept-brings-braille-to-voice-feature/
CTRL + Click to follow link"
href="http://geekbeat.tv/snail-reader-concept-brings-braille-to-voice-feature/">Snail
Reader Concept Brings Braille to Voice Feature</A></H1>
<P class=headline_meta>by <SPAN class="author vcard"><A class="url fn"
title="http://geekbeat.tv/author/davepeterson/
CTRL + Click to follow link"
href="http://geekbeat.tv/author/davepeterson/" rel=nofollow>Dave
Peterson</A></SPAN> on <ABBR class=published title=2011-05-07>May 7,
2011</ABBR></P><ABBR class=published title=2011-05-07>
<P>Braille was developed in 1825 and since then has been enormously helpful in
allowing blind people to read. But there are limitations on it, such as the
difficulty in going back and finding a previous passage to re-read.</P>
<P><A
href="http://www.yankodesign.com/2011/05/05/reading-braille-aloud/">Snail</A> is
a concept from Wonkook Lee for a Braille reader that can be carried anywhere and
run over any Braille text to produce an audible “text-to-voice” effect. It’s
basically a rolling wheel, with a contacting pressure-sensitive touchpad surface
to detect the presence and patterns of raised Braille points. The device houses
a speaker, but would also have Bluetooth connectivity for use with a headset for
quiet reading when that is desired. To help recall what’s been read before,
there is a recording and playback function.</P>
<P>In addition to the issues with finding previous passages, it also addresses
difficulties in learning to read by touch and the slow pace that Braille reading
often requires.</P>
<P>Are you blind, or do you know someone who is? Would this be a useful tool to
make reading easier? Let us know in the comments.</P>
<P>(via <A
href="http://dvice.com/archives/2011/05/reading-braille.php">DVICE</A> and <A
href="http://www.yankodesign.com/2011/05/05/reading-braille-aloud/">Yanko
Design</A>)</P></ABBR></DIV></BODY></HTML>