Intel developing electronic Qur'an for Saudi Arabia

In yet another move designed to expedite the adoption of networked technology in developing countries (and probably to garner some positive PR as well), semiconductor giant Intel is working with Middle Eastern software companies to create an electronic version of the Qur'an for use in Saudi Arabia. The device, known as the E-Quran, is a handheld, low-power computer similar to the Xell Bible Master B10, which contains the full text of the Islamic holy book along with audio versions in 40 languages and interactive, interpretive material. Surprisingly, the gadget also sports wireless internet connectivity, which is likely employed to send pertinent passages to other users and not for updating the content; we're no theologians, but we're pretty sure that these major religious tomes remain mostly static documents. It's worth mentioning that this is not the first time a company has chosen to target Muslims with its goods, as we've already seen cellphones that direct the user to Mecca, an illuminated prayer rug, and even a dedicated Pocket PC. What's more, this isn't even Intel's first attempt at engaging in cultural diversity: back in 2004, the company completed a three-year study detailing the unique ways in which different cultures utilize their gadgets. Besides the digital Qur'an -- being developed in conjunction with software manufacturer Dar Al Rasm Al-Othmani -- Intel is also teaming up with a company called Semanoor to build training computers for Saudi teachers as part of the E-Curriculum program. The announcement of both of these projects comes just a few weeks after Intel committed to donating several hundred of its low-cost Classmate PC laptops to the Brazilian government, pitting the Santa Clara firm against OLPC and Encore's Mobilis tablet in what has strangely become a heated battle to supply emerging markets with low-end hardware.

Update: Why can't we publish one story involving religion where the comments don't devolve into hateful, prejudicial speech? Apologies to the folks who were attempting to have a thoughtful, on-topic conversation about this post, but once again a few bad apples have forced us to close commenting on the thread. All off-topic postings have been deleted.

[GadgetMonger @ Dec 19th 2006 8:18PM]

this is the most useless thing i could ever imagine. Why not just make a nice ebook reader that reads all books? It could come pre bundled with any holybook in any market, thus allowing you to sell to all religious zealots at the same time! :)

But really, who wants to read the same book over and over?

[funkycoldm3dina @ Dec 20th 2006 7:36AM]

you listen to the same song over and over and watch the same movies, tv programmes etc, over and over and you get more and more out of it every time. same with the holy quran and/or the bible.

[Tazmo @ Dec 19th 2006 9:07PM]

I agree that this is just a waste of money and why not just use an E-book reader. But with the Saudi Government's recent announcment of the biggest budget in its history of $101 billion with a surplus of around $5 billion, it seems they can afford to waste it.

[Mr.Ortiz @ Dec 19th 2006 9:19PM]

That E-Curriculum thing sounds great! Finally, we can put all those schools we've built in Iraq to good use. There must be one on every corner by now from what I've heard.

[Rex @ Dec 19th 2006 11:12PM]

OK THATS IT! Engadget, i like free speech, but, please ban these guys, they are simply...urgh words fail me....

ok tech side first, this OLD news, i went to mecca and I have seen a million different "digital Quran" I even have one on my Nokia 6600 so actually this is just Intel and their PR ways...

2nd, just because American cars are gas guzzlers which are leading to Saudi profits, does NOT mean Islam is evil, its called capitalism, which by the way, is the American way, isn't it?

Islam the most hateful religion?where did u get the idea that Islam is a religion? Islam is "a way of life" and that minor little(and most unfortunately, overlooked)thing is what makes all the difference...

I mean, Islam is not about reading the book and going to mosques, Islam is also about tiny things like washing your hands after coming out of the loo...yes, i mean it, these little things are also part Islam, and ignoring this also will lead to displeasure of Allah (spreading disease is not exactly a point winner is it?), so how can u even think that Islam would allow terrorism?

Islam is specific on its stance...Kill no one, EXCEPT "soldier in a war"...so civilian deaths are definitely not allowed.

And Jihad, well thats means striving, so even a student striving for his school exams is doing "jihad".

I know, I know engadget, sorry for the rant, but I just don't like like it when talk without really knowing their stuff...

[Rabah khamis @ Dec 20th 2006 1:31PM]

Actually, I studied the idea with couple of folks a while back and we thought if Apple made such a thing, it would open a huge market for its iPods.

We studdied the culture carefully and thought if this was done right, it will be in almost every muslim house.. That is a potential market of 1.5B people..

This is not about politics, it is about a business opportunity!