Xiaozhi Xing

Hi, I’m Steven Xing, the creator of TapReader (originally ‘kiwireader’). I live in New Zealand, and I built this app out of personal necessity and passion. I’ve lived with glaucoma for many years, and over time, reading printed text—especially small print—became increasingly difficult. From medicine labels and mail to books and packaging, everyday reading tasks turned into constant challenges.

I searched for a solution that was fast, private, and easy to use. Many apps either required an internet connection, compromised privacy, or felt too complicated. None gave me the simple experience I needed—so I decided to build it myself.

TapReader was born from that mission: to help people like me read printed text quickly and independently, with just a tap. It’s built to be fast, intuitive, and completely offline, so your information stays private. Whether you live with vision loss, dyslexia, or simply want a better way to read on the go, I hope TapReader brings real value to your life.

Creating this app wasn’t easy. I taught myself new skills, navigated countless technical challenges, and worked through long nights—driven by the belief that technology should empower, not exclude. TapReader is the result of persistence, community support, and a deep personal need.

Thank you for using TapReader. It means a lot to me, and I hope it helps make reading easier for you too.

Warmly,

Steven Xing

Founder of TapReader