Hindsight · review build · data not yet validated
Print-to-speech reading machines for the blind are now very small, inexpensive, palm-sized devices that can read books (those that still exist in paper form) and other printed documents, and other real-world text such as signs and displays.
Grader A: partial
A palm-size print reader for the blind existed: the KNFB Reader Mobile on a Nokia N82 (February 2008) read photographed pages, memos and currency. But it cost about $2,000, so it was not inexpensive, and reading signs and displays was not its strength. Cheap reading apps for smartphones came in 2012-2014.
Test: Blind users with small, inexpensive readers: device existed in 2008 at about $2,000 (share of blind users well under 20%); low-cost smartphone readers only from about 2014.
Grader B: partial
A palm-sized reader for blind users existed (KNFB Reader on a Nokia N82 phone, 2008) but cost $1,595 and was not inexpensive. A $99 phone app came only in 2014.
Test: Price/availability test: palm-sized device by 2008 at $1,595; inexpensive version only 2014.