knfbREADER Mobile uses Nokia N82 as text-to-speech device

The K-NFB, a joint venture between Kurzweil Technologies and the National Federation of the Blind, introduced knfbREADER this week, a text-to-speech program for the N82. Coupling Kurzweil's image processing with the N82's camera, a user only has to snap a pic of the document to be read and the software will speak it back and allow you to follow along on the handset's screen as it highlights each word read. The device is able to read just about all printed materials, from newspapers to glossy printed material and even US currency. Compared to earlier products -- dating way back to giant contraptions in the early 80's -- this tiny package will be a boon for the visually impaired, as there's now no need to drag something around that's the size of a photocopier. We're hoping that we see this offering expand to other sets with capable cameras, and that the pricing gives all a warm fuzzy feeling.

Digital Cube busts out i-station UDIC electronic dictionary for Korea

It looks like Digital Cube's i-station brand knows no bounds, with it emblazoning everything from UMPCs to PMPs to GPS/PMP/DMB combos, and now even the ever-popular and slightly perplexing "electronic dictionary." That latest entry comes in the form of the i-station UDIC which, like most electronic dictionaries, does a good deal more than just defining and translating, something that should come as no surprise given the device's 60GB hard drive, 4.3-inch touch screen (which can be flipped around), and other decidedly non-dictionary features. No word on a price, but you know where you'll have to go if you want to get your hands on one.

Panasonic's EVOLTA: "the longest lasting AA battery cell in the world"

If you're barbaric enough to still use disposable alkaline batteries instead of new generation rechargeables like Eneloops, then you'll be stoked by this news Atouk. Panasonic's new EVOLTA lineup is said to perform "almost 1.3 - 2 times" longer than their existing alkalines. In fact, they now claim to have the "longest lasting AA battery cell in the world." For that, Panny will charge you an approximate 15% premium when they hit the market on April 26th.

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