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Announcing the Read2Go App: The DAISY reader for Bookshare on the iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch

Our members talked, and we listened! Announcing the new Read2Go App, the DAISY reader for Bookshare on the iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch.

Read2Go is an accessible e-book reader that was developed by Benetech (the parent nonprofit for Bookshare),  in partnership with Shinano Kenshi Co. Ltd (best known for its PLEXTALK® brand of digital talking book players).

Read2Go is the most full-featured, accessible DAISY reader for the Apple device market. This very easy-to-use app for the iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch connects directly to Bookshare for immediate on-the-go reading.

From within the app, individual users and schools supporting students can search, download, and read Bookshare books and periodicals and manage their books in a bookshelf. In addition, Read2Go reads DAISY 2.02 and 3.0 materials from some other sources.

Read2Go will be available this quarter in the iTunes App store and will sell for $19.99. Interested users who would like immediate notification when the app is available can provide contact information on a secure notify list. We promise, we won’t spam you or share your info, we’ll only send you one message letting you know that the app is available and ready for purchase.

Additional features, such as study tools, images, and multiple languages, will become be available in the coming months.

You can read the full press release here.

36 Comments

  1. John Davis

    When I can afford an iPhone this looks great. Is there some other portable reader that I would be able to use? I’m not blind.

    • Betsy Burgess

      There are a number of portable readers, some for the mainstream market, and some for individuals with disabilities. This app is the first to work on a mainstream platform as well as meeting the needs of individuals with disabilities. Our reading tools page, http://www.bookshare.org/readingTools, lists a number of devices, but doesn’t have price points. Some of the portable readers may be coming down in price, but they won’t have the accessibility features of Read2Go. Not knowing your situation, it’s hard to give specific advice.

  2. Mikael

    Any update from apple? We are eagerly awaiting the new app.

    • Betsy Burgess

      We think a new policy from Apple has resolved the issue and that we are back on track for approval. Possibly soon, 1-2 more weeks, although I know we’ve said that before. Thanks for the question.

  3. Rick

    I tried to download the DAISY file for a book on the Ipad and got the warning

    “Safari can not download this file”

    I know the app to read the file is not ready yet but I though I could download the DAISY file so when the app is ready I have the file ready to go.

    Do you have any idea as to why I can not download the file? Do I have something setup wrong on the Ipad?

    • Betsy Burgess

      Rick,
      Awesome that you are getting your iPad set up! When the app is available, you’ll be able to download from within the app and not have to move files. The app will also manage your bookshelf.

  4. Cheryl Spade

    I have been to the App Itune list on line and can not find this app. I am not the best at this but I looked over the list and it doesn’t seem to be available. My daughter is visually impaired she does have a used Ipod. Ipad is way to expensive when there are so many other things that she needs. It would be great if these kids could qualify for some sort of a discount on these items and services.

  5. On a personal, and I’m sure public level this app is highly anticipated. It was expected to launch by end of Q2…. We’re at Q3 and the news item isn’t even on the front page anymore. Benetech/Bookshare what’s the story, I want my device convergence.

    • Betsy Burgess

      We understand, but cannot move Apple any faster. We think we have the issue solved – or I’ll say we hope – and that it won’t be much longer.

      • Rick

        Betsy,
        Is there anything we (Parents, users) can do to get Apple off dead center?

        I have a son who is starting back to school in less than a month and would love to use this for him.

        Emails, phone calls, This is getting so tiring that Apple is dragging their feet.

        • Betsy Burgess

          I trust you’ve heard the good news now, that Read2Go is available in the Apple store. Enjoy!

  6. muranoresearchGert

    As and when approved by Apple, will your app allow me to “read” Dutch language Daisy books that I upload from daisy CDs?

    • Betsy Burgess

      Great question. I’ll check on the answer. I would say yes, if you have a Dutch voice installed. But I’ll have to find out.

    • Betsy Burgess

      You would need to be able to install Dutch voice and Read2Go doesn’t support other voices yet. We’re working on ways to allow users to add other voices.

  7. Tom Neal

    I have a jailbroken iPhone, if you sell us the app from the website, those of us with jailbroken apple products can start using the app now.

    • Betsy Burgess

      We can’t do that, because we take agreements with partners and publishers very seriously and don’t bend the rules.

  8. Kathy

    Hooray!!!!!!!!!

    I just downloaded the app today. My son finds this more useful than sitting down at a computer as the IPAD 2 is more portable and user friendly. This is a breakthrough! Your app is much easier. However, most school districts will not pay for the app as the resource is easily available on computers at schools and in the homes. Nevertheless, the $19.00 is little steep but in line with a similar resource. It was well worth the money to buy the Bookshare APP. I am thrilled and very satisfied to seen my son using the app while reading along with his book, textbooks, etc. That speaks volumes. Thank you for keeping up with technology and the teenage mindset. You are getting them to read. Thank-God.

    For older struggling readers, this app for the IPAD affords the means of indepednece and portability. Keep up the great work.

    I want to say that I made a choice to buy the IPAD over many other expenses. I saved and prioritized. The IPAD is not a necissity. It is expensive. However, it does offer teenangers an option that goes beyond sitting in front of a computer screen. In this mobile society, the IPAD has made a huge difference. I hope school districts look at buying IPADS so others students can enjoy this app. There are many grants school districts can use to purchase IPADs.

    • Betsy Burgess

      Thank you for the story and good comments!

    • Paulette

      Kathy
      I also am thankful that there is an app that will work with Bookshare. Yes, it was a questions whether the $19 would be a waste if my teenage son did not use this. I researched other readers and decided on an iPad. I felt my son would use this more that the other readers. I first needed to get him “hooked” on the iPad then I got a list of books from school that he will be reading the rest of this school year.

      My first download was tricky as I did not know whether to download from Safari or open up the Read to Go app. In exploring I realized you had to go to settings in Read to Go, put in the students info then go back to search and put in the name of the book. Once I did that…it was seemless…there was the DOWNLOAD button and it was downloaded in moments. I downloaded the 3 books he needs to read for the rest of this school year.

      When first opening the book, if you hit the play button, it reads all the copyright info and warnings. For my son, I will need to teach him to go through to the beginning of the book. He will not tolerate all the “legal” info….but it is important for students to know about copyright!

      FINALLY a tool that I hope my son grows with academically…hopefully into college. I agree, it offers teenagers another option beyond the computer screen. Now to teach my son’s teacher how this works and hopefully to get some for schools.

      • Betsy Burgess

        Thank you for sharing the information about getting started. I’m glad it’s working for you now!

  9. Beverly

    When will the download with images option be available.

    • Betsy Burgess

      We don’t have a date yet, but it is in the plan.

  10. you could start using app with the iphone if it jail broken

  11. It is a good one and thanks for sharing this great application

  12. Cindy Nankee

    Awesome Read:Outload for the computer is free with the book share membership. Why is it so expensive then in app format? Will there be any future promotions for book share members? Thank you

    • Betsy Burgess

      The app can’t be free because Apple takes a cut, we have a development partner and voices that are included. All contribute to the cost. Thanks for asking!

      • Betsy Burgess

        And I will pass on the request for a promo for Bookshare members.

  13. Laaura Gargiulo

    I am so very excited to find this app for my daughter. We are home schoolers and you have just justified adding the iPad to our school! We have enjoyed using Bookshare on our laptop, but it is still challenging for her to interact with. She does much better with the iPad.

  14. Simone Is Awesome

    I have this app on my iPod Touch, and when I try to sign in, it does not let me. What do I use to sign into this app?

    • Betsy Burgess

      You use your Bookshare log in and password to sign in and download books.

  15. Elisabeth Dahl Sandbu

    I have been enjoying the Read2Go app for many months, but I keep getting thrown out while listening and I receive a message that the device does not have enough storage left, and that I should close other applications. When I check I have 1.7 GB free storage. Do you have any suggestions what I should do? Apart from this very annoying problem, I am very pleased! Elisa58

    • Betsy Burgess

      Elisabeth, would you please send an email to support(at)bookshare(dot)org with your question? thanks!

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