Bringing a potentially wonderful tool to young children, LeapFrog Enterprises Inc. has developed a talking computer pen that can translate words into other languages, or perform other tasks such as assisting with math and spelling homework. The pen gives users audio feedback as they write and draw on special paper, as well as other more interesting functions, such as the ability for users to draw a calculator, touch the handwritten digits and functions to perform an operation. Answers are then audibly announced.

LeapFrog said a group of children aged 8 to 13 helped to develop the product, and it will offer a range of applications for learning, communicating and playing.