Spritz

Spritz Inc., founded in 2012, operates in the application software industry, focusing on text-streaming technology to aid individuals with reading difficulties. The company was established by Frank Waldman, an MIT alumnus and serial entrepreneur, alongside Maik Maurer and Matthias Klein, both scientists from the Technical University of Munich. The idea originated from Maurer's need to process large amounts of reading material efficiently. The team's research into the reading process led to the development of a method that moves the text instead of the eye, delivering words in a way that the eye can process them as a whole unit without needing to search for the next word.

The core of Spritz's offering is its patented text-streaming technology, which presents digital content one word at a time. This method, a form of Rapid Serial Visual Presentation (RSVP), significantly reduces eye movement, which is often the most time-consuming part of reading. The technology identifies the "Optimal Recognition Point" (ORP) within each word and presents it at a fixed location on the screen, allowing users to increase their reading speed and comprehension. Reading speeds can be adjusted from 100 up to 1000 words per minute. The company holds multiple patents for its technology, which covers aspects like serial text display, tracking content through serial presentation, and methods for displaying text using RSVP.

Spritz's business model centers on licensing its technology for integration into various digital platforms, including operating systems, applications, websites, and wearable devices. This B2B approach has led to partnerships with notable companies. A significant early collaboration was with Samsung, which integrated Spritz's technology into an email application for the Samsung Gear 2 and Galaxy S5 smartphone. Another partnership was established with Boopsie, an platform for library mobile apps, to bring the reading technology to library patrons and eBooks. The technology is designed for small screens, making it particularly suitable for mobile phones and smartwatches. It supports multiple languages, including English, Spanish, French, German, Russian, and Korean. The company has secured $4.43 million in funding, including a seed round of $3.54 million in March 2014.

The technology can be integrated into photos, maps, and videos for more effective communication and creates new opportunities for advertising, especially on mobile devices. Spritz's application is available on Android devices and scans content from non-subscription websites, reading it back to the user at high speeds. The primary clients are developers and companies looking to enhance the reading experience on their digital products. The technology is particularly beneficial for users who face literacy challenges or want to consume digital content more efficiently.

Keywords: text streaming, speed reading, reading technology, Rapid Serial Visual Presentation, RSVP, Optimal Recognition Point, ORP, digital content consumption, mobile reading, assistive technology, reading efficiency, eye movement reduction, content streaming, patented technology, software licensing, ed-tech, digital literacy, Frank Waldman, Maik Maurer, reading comprehension