Inventor Chris Mairs, who himself is blind, is set to launch a gadget in a few months that will make a wide range of web content available to non-technical blind and visually impaired people. To be called SpeakOn, the device will be able to access MP3 music files, radio stations, podcasts and website content normally available only as text.

Chris says that current assistive technologies such as screenreaders adopt the wrong model: in other words, they are based on the visual paradigm whereas his device is orientated towards a one-dimensional audio stream.

The product is being rolled out in two phases. The first will have a simple interface for people who already know how to use a computer and the second phase device will assist people who are "technologically frail".

SpeakOn will take the form of a box with a keypad with about 12 keys and should retail for around £300. It is hoped that the SpeakOn will appeal to people who want access to information but who are reluctant to acquire a computer. It will have , each of which will be easily distinguishable and these would be used to navigate up, down and through lists.

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