HP Labs India

HP Labs develops scribble-mail

Feb 04, 2004

HP Labs India has developed a prototype of a low-cost, language-independent device called Script Mai l, which allows people to send handwritten emails. The company expects the product to sell especially in places where English is not the preferred language.

The device developed for this purpose resembles a calculator, has a keyboard, a comparatively less expensive CPU, a small LCD screen, and small area for people to scribble their messages. Once written, the message is then captured as an image file and shown up as an attachment to the mail. These mails are also compatible with PCs.

It has been further said that the messages are written with a digitizer, a position-sensitive pen, which uses ultrasound to capture the ink. The technology for the digitizer has been provided by an Israeli company, it has been said. However, users are required to type out the email address in English.

HP Labs is targeting rural areas in the country where people otherwise do not have ready access to computers or are computer literate. According to sources, the company has already conducted field trials in India and has attracted favourable response.

Click here to read the article at the TECHTREE website