The new Intel Reader released today, is a compact camera-computer that takes photos of text and converts them into MP3s that it reads aloud in a synthesized voice.

It uses an Atom processor, a 5-megapixel camera and Intel’s Linux-based Moblin OS, it converts text instantly when the picture is taken. Obviously it’s designed for the visually impaired, but can also assist those with severe Dyslexia.

A device that automatically translates other languages instantly still seems like science fiction, even today. But we are getting very close. Check out NEC’s Tele Scouter. It’s a retinal-display that translates what people say to you by displaying the translations as text on your glasses.

It looks pretty bulky still, but even at that size it is impressive. It requires a computer to be hooked up to the glasses to do the bulk of the work. And even then, the translations aren’t good enough yet to make wearing this thing practical. But soon it will be.

Pantech just introduced its Reveal smartphone in the US. The full-feature dual-keyboard phone is specially optimized for texting and emailing friends or family members quickly and easily. So this one is great for serial texters or email addicts.

Some specs of the Pantech Reveal include always active keyboards, audio and video playback, 3G and easy navigation with AT&T Navigator which offers voice-guided, turn-by-turn directions in real time.

I don’t like to send many text messages on my cell phone. I do it on occasion, but I don’t like the small keyboard and would rather just call and talk to someone than text them. My wife on the other hand likes to text and sends me lots of messages throughout the day.

A program called Cherple launched in January 2009 and now has 10 million users around the world. The website allows users to send SMS text messages from any Internet connected computer to any U.S. cellular number for free directly from a computer.

This is a lot like Truphone, which we told you about in December. Leading IP telecommunications company JAJAH has announced a complete overhaul of the iPod Touch. They want to turn the device into a fully functional iPhone.

The new capabilities will enable carriers and non-carriers to launch the service under their own brand and provide customers with the ability to make low-cost phone calls and send SMS text messages to any phone in the world from their iPod Touch. Consumers would only need a Wi-Fi connection, no SIM card or contract. This is big news, what with the iPod Touch being one of the most popular consumer devices in the world.

Winter is on it’s way and text addicts will want to be prepared. When it gets cold, you’ll either have to pull your gloves off just to tap out a text message, or you can use Dots gloves and remain warm while texting away. Dots gloves are gloves with…dots on the fingers. The manufacturer says they won’t scratch your touchscreen. You can get a pair, with a choice of several colors for $10. No matter how could it gets you’ll be living up to your full human potential with all of your usual deep philosophical banter of rotf’s, lol’s, omg’s and omfg’s.

When you think about it, it’s kind of weird that toast is such a hugely popular food. I mean it’s basically burnt bread that’s ready to crumble in your hands. What’s weirder are all the new ways we’ve found to enjoy toast. We can even make it in our PC’s and decorate it with a frakken cylon. The Scan Toaster printer concept takes it all a step further, from designer Sung Bae Chang.

Details are a bit thin, but it connects to the internet via USB and can print images or text on bread using a flexible “module” unit heated by a wire. What it means is that you could read the news on the very breakfast that you eat. The Scan Toaster concept was a finalist in the 2008 Electrolux Design Lab competition. Sadly, it may be awhile before it hits the kitchen.

Here’s the latest wacky concept from Japan. A solar-powered bra that’s eco-friendly. Forget the fact that it looks like someone glued a display onto a piece of astroturf. The solar panel on the waist powers a scrolling LED display above, so you can display a message, about how dorky you look. It can also power other devices.

Here’s the really strange bit. It has reusable liquid containers in the cups, because they want to discourage the use of aluminum cans. The upshot is that you would increase your bust size…Until you get thirsty.

A New York company named BrickHouse Security wants to add a little spice to your marriage. The kind of spice that might get your stuff thrown out onto the lawn via a $150 SIM card reader that can read deleted text messages.

BrickHouse President Todd Morris wants you to know that once you delete a text message, they are not gone forever. He also wants you to be able to see your spouses or your kids deleted text messages to make sure there’s no funny business going on. Hell, $150 is probably cheaper then hiring a PI. So it’s either this, or go on that Cheaters show and show the world what a cheating sack of dung your spouse is.

How do you update the pen? It’s been around for centuries, but hasn’t really changed in awhile. Well, one way to update it is to integrate texting and email. The D:Scribe is a design concept from Reuben Png. Similar to Bluetooth pens, it will track as you write, then just circle the person’s name and the text or email is sent digitally via a Bluetooth phone.

You can also access everything you’ve written later because it’s all stored in the pen. The message status is shown on a OLED screen. The pen has always been mightier then the sword, and now it will have texting as well.