New reading software accelerates on-screen reading speed and turns PCs and Palm¨ PDAs into powerful tools for the college student RapidReader¨ computer-accelerated software helps students read easily at speeds up to 5X faster

SoftOlogy IdeaWorksTM, Inc. today introduced two new versions of its computer-accelerated reading software, RapidReader®¨ 4.0 for Windows and RapidReader 4.0 for Palm. These products utilize patented technology that significantly accelerates the rate at which text can be can be read and absorbed while reading from electronic screens such as desktop computers, laptops and handheld PDAs (personal digital assistants). In other words RapidReader is designed to let the computer do the reading work. On most campuses, students are required to spend a lot of time on the computer accessing information on the Web or writing and proofreading papers electronically using word processors. RapidReader is designed to work seamlessly with the applications students use the most, such as browsers and word processors. With one click the computer converts standard text into a patented display that can accelerate reading speed by up to 5x.

Ft. Collins, CO (PRWEB) October 7, 2003 - SoftOlogy IdeaWorksTM, Inc. today introduced two new versions of its computer-accelerated reading software, RapidReader®¨ 4.0 for Windows and RapidReader 4.0 for Palm. These products utilize patented technology that significantly accelerates the rate at which text can be can be read and absorbed while reading from electronic screens such as desktop computers, laptops and handheld PDAs (personal digital assistants). In other words RapidReader is designed to let the computer do the reading work

On most campuses, students are required to spend a lot of time on the computer accessing information on the Web or writing and proofreading papers electronically using word processors. RapidReader is designed to work seamlessly with the applications students use the most, such as browsers and word processors. With one click the computer converts standard text into a patented display that can accelerate reading speed by up to 5x. Now reading at a computer means putting your feet up and letting the computer do the work for you.

And RapidReader does more than multiply reading speed. Its a multi-function tool to help streamline every step of an information task from research gathering to annotating and bibliography to proofreading. RapidReader saves hours of time. For example, a student can save web pages as RapidReader files to read offline. Or they can attach notes to web or MS Word pages for reference and highlite sections of text. Unclear writing becomes immediately obvious when proofreading with Rapid Reader at 500 words per minute. A student can create pre-exam or view notes to blast through at the last minute. All in a format that delivers a reading speed many times faster than average on a PC or a hand held device.

There was a really compelling picture we kept in mind during the 10 years of research and development that went into RapidReader. The idea of someone sitting comfortably and having the computer help them read and absorb information much faster simply by looking at the screen." said Peter McIan, founder and CEO of SoftOlogy IdeaWorks. After all no matter what size the computer, its supposed to make things easier not harder. In that sense RapidReader is simply another tool to lighten the work load."

RapidReader also makes reading of even lengthy documents fast, comfortable and hands-free for the first time on a small PDA screen, which enables students to study in-depth electronic content while on-the-go from virtually anywhere. The result? Improved learning in less time and stress and, perhaps just as important, increased free time to enjoy other activities. RapidReader is available for Windows 95-XP and Palm OS3.5, EPOC 5 Devices and Nokia 9210 mobile phones at introductory prices beginning at only $24. 95.

RapidReader was initially inspired by research conducted at Johns Hopkins and other leading universities dealing with reading speed and comprehension. The findings of the research showed that humans are capable of reading and absorbing information at dramatically higher than normal rates (more than 1000 words per minute) using enhanced computerized methods of presenting words to the reader. SoftOlogy has incorporated nearly ten years of human factors research and software development into the current optimized version of its technology. The patented display presents text in the easy natural rhythms of human speech, making comprehension comfortable even at very high reading speeds.

About SoftOlogy

SoftOlogy Idea Works, Inc. is a human factors and knowledge management company. devoted to building new bridges between the power of the computer and the human capacity for learning. "Software for the Human Operating System". SoftOlogy is privately held; their Publishing and Content Development division is headquartered in Fort Collins, Colorado.

To contact SoftOlogy IdeaWorks, call 818-888-9962, or visit us on the Web. A free demo is provided at the site. Also, editors are offered a complementary reviewers copy.

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For the backgrounder, please click here http://www.rapidreader.com/company_bg.html

For complete information, please visit us at http://www.rapidreader.com

For a free review copy, please e-mail us at info@softology.com and include your affiliation

For students to down load a fully functional demo http://rapidreader.com/free_demo.html

For screen shots of RapidReader http://rapidreader.com/rr_winscrnshots.html

For Palm screen shots http://rapidreader.com/palm_scrnshots.html