EyeReader iPhone Magnifier App

Author: Ian C. Langtree - Writer/Editor for Disabled World (DW)
Published: 2011/04/12 - Updated: 2024/08/22
Publication Type: Informative

Contents: Synopsis - Introduction - Main - Related Publications

Synopsis: EyeReader magnify is the only magnifying app of its kind to utilize the iPhone full widescreen display.

Unlike an ordinary magnifier, the EyeReader efficiently uses the iPhone's bright LED light to illuminate any surface up to 5X magnification.

Introduction

EyeReader is the first in a series of Silver Apps from NetSoft targeting Baby Boomers, now available at iTunes store.

Main Content

Trying to read small print, or struggling to see a menu in a dimly lit restaurant, is frustrating a growing number of Americans as the Baby Boom population reaches senior citizen status.

The EyeReader by NetSoft Engineering is the first in a series of Silver Apps - applications designed for users 45 and older. The brainchild of engineer Gerry Lavender, EyeReader takes only half a megabyte and is just $1.99 to download from iTunes store.

EyeReader is the only app of its kind to utilize iPhone's widescreen display, giving users the ability to zoom in and out with two fingers via touch-screen technology.

Unlike an ordinary magnifier, the EyeReader efficiently uses the iPhone's bright LED light to illuminate any surface up to 5X magnification.

"Older adults are looking for apps that meet their needs," says Lavender. "You may forget your reading glasses, but you're never without your iPhone. As a Baby Boomer myself I fully understand the challenges seniors face and it's been the inspiration for Silver Apps, all designed to make life easier for that population."

This is just the first of several iPhone and iPad applications NetSoft is developing to meet the demands of the senior market.

NetSoft launched EyeReader on March 7 and users in 21 countries have since purchased. It's perfect for reading menus in dark restaurants, playbills in theater, instructions on prescription medication or any fine print.

Reviews of EyeReader on the Apple iTunes store website are overwhelmingly positive, consistently rating 5 out of 5 stars.

"Wonderful and unique app! Don't need to take my glasses to restaurants anymore!"

"Great app! Hubby might just have to update to iPhone 4 so he can get this app!"

Gerry, who graduated from Texas Tech in 1972 with a degree in Electrical Engineering, now sets up shop at his home in Olmos Park - also global headquarters for NetSoft Engineering, specializing in computer software design and solutions.

For the past decade, Gerry has designed local and wide area networks, written custom interfaces for Windows, Linux, Unix and MacOS and developed applications for other systems as the sole proprietor of NetSoft. This is his first invention developed commercially on his own. He taught himself the code and language and before long, the one-time defensive end and Texas Tech alum had invented the EyeReader.

Lavender is already looking ahead to the evolution of EyeReader creating a version compatible with Android phones. He's also developing apps for the new iPad.

"The progressive iPhone and iPad technology allows us to put our vision into action, not just on the EyeReader but several other Silver Apps to be released within the next six months," Lavender adds.

Author Credentials: Ian is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Disabled World, a leading resource for news and information on disability issues. With a global perspective shaped by years of travel and lived experience, Ian is a committed proponent of the Social Model of Disability-a transformative framework developed by disabled activists in the 1970s that emphasizes dismantling societal barriers rather than focusing solely on individual impairments. His work reflects a deep commitment to disability rights, accessibility, and social inclusion. To learn more about Ian's background, expertise, and accomplishments, visit his full biography.