Aadarsh Publishers launch “Talking Pen”

• Email
• Print
• Decrease
• Increase
• 

At the New Delhi World Book Fair, a “talking pen” was introduced by publishing house Aadarsh: the Multimedia Print Reader or MPR, which, the company says, is to revolutionise the education system. The Multimedia Print Reader was presented at a press conference attended by Aadarsh founders Ashish and Manish Rajoria, together with special guests Pradeep Kishen, author of Trees of Delhi, and Naresh Khanna, Publisher of Indian Printer and Publisher.

• 
• The Multimedia Print Reader also called a talking pen, introduced by Aadarsh publishers at the World Book Fair 2010 in New Delhi Photo: IPP

The Multimedia Print Reader is a device which can hold up to 2 GB of audio files related to printed books published by any publisher. The books carry a small printed code that can be scanned by the device which then recognizes the book or any part of it, activates the pre-loaded audio files and thus reads out the text from the audio files. It is basically an iPod with a scanning device and a USB connection for downloading the audio files.

The Multimedia Print Reader is aimed at developing listening skills along with traditional reading. The technology has been developed to facilitate learning by focusing on the benefits of listening, and can be used in situations where there is a shortage of teachers, or where learning can otherwise be facilitated by voice, for instance when learning different languages. It will also cater to the special needs of the visually challenged and people suffering from various levels of dyslexia. According to a recent UNICEF report, India counts some 15 million visually impaired people, and on average 3 to 4 students in a school class suffer from various levels of dyslexia.

Said Manish Rajoria, “We feel honoured and elated in introducing this technology in our country. There has been an exceptional support and faith in the technology from almost all verticals of the society. We are in talks with various national and international NGOs, publishers, government organisations, international firms and have received most encouraging feedback from all. The Talking Pen (MPR) is not just a technology innovation, it is a social revolution in the education system.”

“Apart from its numerous advantages for students, MPR is beneficial for publishers as any book can be printed in multiple languages using multiple downloadable audio files. MPR-enabled books will help in combating the serious threat of piracy which publishers are facing today,” he added.

More information can be found at www.aadarshtalkingbooks.com

• Email
• Print
• Decrease
• Increase
•