Talking eBook Reader to Hit in 2008

Since last month’s launch of the Amazon Kindle eBook reader, technology pundits have been debating whether or not Amazon’s salvo will do anything to kick-start the lagging eBook market.

Now Engadget is reporting that according to unnamed sources, an Iranian inventor named Ramin Sedighi has created a “talking” e-book, which utilizes a stylus that can be moved across words and then pronounce them out loud:

“The system can also apparently ‘explain’ pictures, though it’s unclear whether or not it uses image recognition or some type of embedded data.”

The laptop-sized unit will be aimed at educational applications for children 4 through 16, and will be available sometime in early 2008, according to the article.

Talking e-book reader coming next year [Engadget]

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