Read the Fine Print: New Magnifier App for iPhone

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Turning a smartphone into a magnifier is hardly a new concept in the world of apps, but one company promises a premium take on the concept.

Net|Soft Engineering, based in San Antonio, Texas, says it designed its EyeReader application–which helps magnify and illuminate surfaces–specifically for Baby Boomers.

How does that make it different from other magnifying apps?

According to the press release:

EyeReader is the only app of its kind to utilize iPhone 4’s full 3.5-inch widescreen display, giving users the ability to zoom in and out with two fingers via touch-screen technology.

Unlike an ordinary magnifier, the EyeReader efficiently uses the iPhone 4 bright LED light to illuminate any surface up to 5X magnification.

It’s also the first of several iPhone and iPad apps the company says it’s developing for people over the age of 45.

“Older adults are looking for apps that meet their needs,” said Gerry Lavender, who came up with the idea for the app. “You may forget your reading glasses, but you’re never without your iPhone.”

Lavender may have a (somewhat unsettling) point about separation anxiety and our digital communicators, but we’ll have to see if his other one–that Baby Boomers will pick up phones in lieu of glasses or a magnifying lens–holds true in the app marketplace (though the press release claims users in 21 countries have already purchased it).

The app can be downloaded from the iTunes store for $1.99.

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