HumanWare Launches Victor Reader Stratus 2, Ending CD Era for Accessible Audiobook Players

HumanWare has released the Victor Reader Stratus 2, a Wi-Fi and cartridge-based audiobook player that ends CD support and offers simpler, home-focused listening for blind and partially sighted users.

The Victor Reader Stratus 2 is the latest update to HumanWare’s long-running Stratus line, first introduced over 15 years ago as a CD-based audiobook player. Speaking on Double Tap, Matthew Piquette of HumanWare explained that diminishing availability of CDs prompted the redesign. “We looked at creating a new player that would no longer have a CD because even for ourselves getting CD drives was becoming more and more difficult,” he said.

The Stratus 2 focuses on delivering DAISY books via Wi-Fi and library cartridges, such as those used by the US National Library Service. It retains the simple, large-button interface of the Stratus 4, and ships with a removable key cover to support users who prefer minimal controls. Compared with the compact Victor Reader Stream, the Stratus 2 offers a larger built-in speaker for clearer audio at home.

New hardware updates include USB-C charging, Bluetooth support, and increased memory. HumanWare plans to expand functionality to include internet radio and podcasts via future software updates, leveraging a shared code base with the Stream. The Stratus 4 and 12 models remain available for now, but will be phased out when CD drive supplies are exhausted, likely after 2027.

The Stratus 2 is already available in Canada, the United States, Europe, and Australia, at similar pricing to previous Stratus models.

The Stratus 2 benefits readers who rely on library audiobooks without using smartphones or computers. By dropping CD support, HumanWare aligns with global library trends and simplifies access to digital content for blind and partially sighted users seeking a home-based listening experience.

Resources
HumanWare Official Website
https://www.humanware.com

DAISY Consortium
https://daisy.org/