Friday, January 08, 2010

Microsoft Pri0 | CES: Blio isn't doing an e-reader device, but it is making software | Seattle Times Newspaper

More Blio and KNFB info.  I agree with Kurzweil’s “separate devices” quote below, but I also still value my Kindle – as one of several client devices through which I interact with hypertext content.  Tangentially, another consideration in this context is Microsoft’s commitment to projects such as Open XML’s support for related standards including DAISY.  Lots of interesting and intertwingled convergence in these domains…

"We have research showing [highlighting] helps build reading skills," said Ray Kurzweil of KNFB, a company that started out building reader solutions for people with disabilities. He said the company is talking to retailers to offer devices branded as "powered by Blio."

"People don't want separate devices for everything," Kurzweil said.

The software works on PCs running Windows 7, XP and Vista; Web browsers with Microsoft Silverlight software; and the iPhone. It is scheduled to become available in February with 1.2 million books. One million will be free and the company will charge for the other 200,000.

The software was developed by a joint venture in Wellesley Hills, Mass, between Kurzweil Technologies and the National Federation for the Blind.

Microsoft Pri0 | CES: Blio isn't doing an e-reader device, but it is making software | Seattle Times Newspaper

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