Orbit Research Debuts India’s First Locally Made DAISY Player

Voice of the Blind has learned that Orbit Research has launched the Orbit Player, India’s first DAISY and media player designed, manufactured, and supported entirely within the country. This pioneering device debuted at the ICEVI World Conference in Ahmedabad, marking a significant step forward for the accessibility of learning and media tools for the visually impaired community in India.

For many years, visually impaired individuals in India have faced numerous challenges with imported technology due to high costs and a lack of local support. These barriers have often made essential repairs and service inaccessible. Addressing these concerns, Orbit Research introduced the Orbit Player, a device crafted specifically for the Indian context and built locally to ensure affordability and dependable support.

Venkatesh Chari, president of Orbit Research, emphasized the organization’s consistent focus on providing impactful and affordable accessible technology. He highlighted that the Orbit Player was developed in response to the specific challenges faced by India’s visually impaired community. "Every feature—from multilingual text-to-speech to a simple, tactile interface—was chosen to make the device practical, intuitive, and enjoyable for daily use," Chari stated.

The Orbit Player offers a seamless experience with multilingual text-to-speech options including Hindi, Bengali, Gujarati, Marathi, Tamil, and Telugu. Users can effortlessly access digital books, audio content, and more. The device supports a wide range of formats such as DAISY, EPUB, DOCX, MP3, and WAV among others, catering to diverse content needs.

Additionally, users can connect to online libraries like Sugamya Pustakalaya and Bookshare, access internet radio, podcasts, and utilize recording functions, providing a comprehensive array of learning and entertainment options.

The Orbit Player will be available for shipping in February 2025, with pre-orders now open. This device represents a blend of affordability, practicality, and essential local service, aimed at improving the quality of life for the visually impaired across India.