Application makes reading easier and more interesting

Reading can be hard for many children, but artificial intelligence can make it easier and more interesting.

Shanghai-based HongYear Information Technology is dedicated to making reading more interesting for young children by offering tailored content, creating a network and letting kids share their reading experience.

As an exhibitor at this year’s World Artificial Intelligence Conference, HongYear expects to expand coverage of its application, which has been sourced by more than 100 schools in Shanghai to help children read books.

“Different from other software that focuses on the number of books to be read, we put more emphasis on performance,” said Zhang Yan, CEO of the company.

With artificial intelligence technology, HongYear's software can design a suitable book list, let children read either online or offline, and encourage them to share using text or even voice-recording function.

One advantage of HongYear is its close ties with schools. With the partnership, a natural network involving teachers and students is created to drive children's interest in reading. Such a network also makes it easier to organize events for a sharing reading experience.

Together with some AI giants including iFlytek and China Unicom, HongYear kicked off a campaign to promote education with artificial intelligence.

Established three years ago, Hong Year has started to make a profit, Zhang said. The company is considering the addition of news into its online library to offer children a better content portfolio.