So in designing the prototype for the physical remote for #NVDASR, I discovered that you can still buy the part of the #Doubletalk speech synthesizer that does the talking.
this makes me very happy and, alongside the NVDA project, I'm going to work on a lighter version of the old Book Port device when I take my work sabbatical. Broadly to meet my own needs first, of course.
This would mean a Telephone-style keypad for controls, an audio jack, at least 24 hours of playback on a single charge if I can manage it, USB-C for power and an SD card for storage. A belt/pocket clip is utterly essential for me.
Initial input would be text files only, progressing eventually to other text-based formats.
I have no interest in DAISY support or podcasts, although Internet radio is a distinct possibility if you're happy to halve your runtime.
RSS would be relatively straightforward too but, again, but decrease the battery life due to being online.
File transfer would be wireless, not USB.
FM Radio is on my wish list.
Voice memo style audio recording is also a potential, as I do use that with Rockbox at present.

Why, you ask?

Mostly because I haven't used Doubletalk in almost 2 decades and want to see if i can keep it going.

And largely for the cools. 'Oh yes, I'm just reading this book on a gadget I built myself.'