[CES 2008] Viable has rolled out its first WiFi-enabled Portable Videophone VPAD that targets the deaf as well as hard of hearing market by using video relay service. This allows the deaf (and hard of hearing, of course) to keep in touch with hearing folks and vice versa without having to rely on e-mails, text messages and face-to-face conversations to get the message across. You get 10.2″ of viewing goodness on its touchscreen display, and it also comes equipped with a USB port, audio/video input, output ports, and a visual and audio alerts system. When not in use, the VPAD can be used as a digital photo frame. So far performance on the floor was better than that of a webcam, although it is still a little bit choppy. Currently, the translation service uses just American Sign Language (ASL) to get the message across, so those who use different variations of Sign Language will just have to pick up ASL along the way.
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