The Victor Reader Stream
It has been clear for a while that mp3 players would be excellent devices for the visually impaired. However, many have very small displays that make them unusable by VI users. This new device is a lot more than just an mp3 player. However it is most notable for being on of the few devices of its kind with voice output to allow navigation. It has no screen and all the commands are entered via key presses. The results are heard as spoken prompts.
This is a a very impressive solution in the school setting, to the problem of delivering learning materials in audio format to pupils in a portable format. Its size is just larger than a large mp3 player or mobile phone.
It can read out text or play files in a variety of formats;
- Talking Books - These are DAISY books, which usually have audio recording of text.
- Other Books - These are mp3 files. a series of files in a folder are treated as a book of sequential sections or chapters. This would be the folder to put a text book that had been turned into audio using a voice such as Heather - see previous post.
- Textfiles - plain .txt files and webpages can be stored here, to be read out by the internal voice of the Stream
- Music - Your music mp3s go here
- Notes - You can record voice notes, or lectures using the internal mike or an external one. They are stored here.
The Stream uses standard SD cards as a storage medium. These are cheap and the contents can easily be backed up onto a spare SD card.
Generally the means of navigation has been well thought out. There are faults. The folder structure of the text files “Bookshelf” is not reflected in the navigation system. This has been pointed out to the developers and it is believed that an improvement will be implemented soon. Fortunately, upgrades are made available at no cost from the developer’s website.
The internal voice which reads the static commands is excellent. However the voice that read the filenames and the text files themselves is not as clear and requires greater concentration. A UK voice is available from the website, but it is not recommended that users upgrade to this unless a new clearer version becomes available
One last gripe; It is hard to get to grips with a whole new operating system on a device with no screen. Sighted people are not used to it. the documentation does not really live up to the ideal of providing “What you need to know in the order you need it”
At last a really good implementation of MP3 player technology well designed for VI users. Also specialist technology for VI users that is not very expensive. Early adopters are not penalised as upgrades are free and simple to effect.
A word of advice if you are supporting a young user of the Steam. Take it home for a week and use it as your Mp3 player, means of accessing podcasts and listening to blogs. It works!
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