FingerReader, developed by a team of MIT Media Lab scientists, is the name of a wearable gadget for the visually impaired. Strapped onto the finger, the ring-like device reads printed text out loud to the individual using a synthesized voice. Not only a huge alternative to braille, FingerReader reads not only off of paper, but text on the screen of any device, such as a Kindle or smartphone. A mounted camera on the device scans the words, then audio feedback (in the form of robotic voice) is given to the user.

Similar to the “Le Chal”, the worlds first haptic “smartshoe” that helps the blind navigate by electronic commands sent to the user for direction, FingerReader too uses “haptic feedback”. A vibration is utilized as a signal to the finger when it is going out of line with the text, or when a new line is started; keeping the sight-impaired in a straight scanning motion for reading. If the finger strays too far from a line, and a dial tone-like noise will increase. The current prototype weighs close to an average finger ring, is equipped with a small camera for scanning, and uses “heavily modified” open source software, with the ability to read 12-point fonts and larger. Because this is in an early prototype stage, the voice isn't anticipated to be faster and cleaner until the product hits mass production. As shown in the video, the audio feedback is a bit tedious, but the company is fully aware of this and will surely be working on both faster feedback, as well as a more attractive device.



There is a second advantage to the FingerReader besides helping the visually impaired. It could also be utilized as a second language translator for tourists, travelers, etc. It can be for people with “disability, ability, and super-ability”. Additionally, a study by the Royal National Institute of the Blind in Britain points out “only seven percent of books are available in large print, unbridged audio and braille, including titles available in these formats as eBooks”. This suggests that an alternative device, such as the FingerReader, could broaden the gap of books that haven’t become available (to those in need) until now.

A downside to the device is it's inability to read all types of text, say, instructions on a prescription bottle. However, it is capable of more than what has been seen thus far. FingerReader is compared to a 'Reading Pen', a portable scanning translator for those with reading difficulties, or people learning a second language. FingerReader creators note the major difference in their product, as it gives real time feedback, in full lines of text at a time; rather than the Reading Pen relaying one word at a time. Surprisingly, there is no current plan for the product to arrive in the hands of consumers yet. The team is unaware as to pricing just yet, and would hope to launch the product only when they could make it a reasonable price for the average consumer. Additionally, there is still much work to be done towards the technology, appearance, and operation of the ring.