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Paul Cameron on innovation

From Reinventing Reading: Paul Cameron at TEDxAuckland · · TEDxTalks

“I'm proud to announce that we have invented exactly the solution to this right here in New Zealand — it is adding a soundtrack to a book.”

Paul Cameron
Cofounder, Booktrack
innovationreading technologydigital media

On , Paul Cameron, Cofounder at Booktrack, spoke about innovation during Reinventing Reading: Paul Cameron at TEDxAuckland on TEDxTalks.

Reinventing Reading: Paul Cameron at TEDxAuckland
Watch on YouTube
Reinventing Reading: Paul Cameron at TEDxAuckland
TEDxTalks
Watch on YouTube
Paul has always had a passion for technology and reading and finds it fascinating that we can now carry an entire library around in our pocket. Yet the reading experience has not evolved in more than 2000 years despite storytelling taking disruptive leaps forward with the introduction of film and video games. Booktrack is his answer to addressing the decline in reading and literacy rates that will help make reading relevant again to a new generation of readers. Prior to Booktrack, Paul flew with the Royal New Zealand Air Force in roles including fisheries and customs surveillance, search and rescue, and anti-terrorism. Paul then founded a new division of an electronics and software company that provides products and services to the global defense industry, before cofounding Booktrack. http://www.booktrack.com/ http://www.tedxauckland.com/ About TEDx, x = independently organized event In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)
Paul Cameron

About Paul Cameron

Cofounder · Booktrack

In a 2012 TEDxAuckland talk, Paul Cameron, cofounder of Booktrack, described reading as being "in a crisis" and argued that many people who can read are choosing not to. He cited statistics that 33% of high school graduates and 42% of college graduates in the United States never read another book after graduation. Cameron stated that Booktrack, which he described as "adding a soundtrack to a book," was invented in New Zealand as a solution to this problem. He explained that the technology provides a synchronized soundtrack that adapts to what a person is reading, including environmental sounds, sound effects, and music. Cameron said that a study by a New York University professor "proved categorically a significant increase in comprehension and retention" when reading with a soundtrack compared to reading without one. He stated that Booktrack is "the only enhancement to reading that's delivered to you while you read," and that other enhancements take the reader out of the experience. Cameron announced plans to make the tools for creating synchronized soundtracks available to the public, including children, authors, and audio professionals, saying the goal is to "inspire a new generation of readers to dream again and read again."

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