[Blindtlk] Fwd: [orion-announce] Orion Status

[David Andrews]

>
>From: Marc Mulcahy <marc at levelstar.com>
>Subject: [orion-announce] Orion Status
>Date: Fri, 30 Dec 2011 14:51:30 -0700
>
>Hello All:
>
>
>There have been several questions by some of our customers regarding 
>the upcoming release of the Orion products. I want to assure you 
>that our silence in responding to your questions is due to the fact 
>that we are working diligently to ensure that we exceed your 
>expectations with these products!
>
>
>As most of you know, we have been partnering with the American 
>Printing House for the Blind, (APH) in development of these 
>products. Our original agreement included development of both a 
>device with a Braille display, and a voice-only device. Though some 
>challenges have delayed market introduction, those very challenges 
>have resulted in a higher level of research which has solidified our 
>confidence that the level of customer satisfaction in these products 
>will be exceeded!
>
>
>As we reach the final stages of development and approach the 
>production stages of the project, Levelstar Management has decided 
>to invest all energies into the APH version of the products. This 
>decision will allow for the earliest possible market introduction of 
>product. The APH Braille Plus 18 Second Generation and the Braille 
>Plus Second Generation will include all the features and benefits as 
>planned for the Orion. Though a first quarter 2012 introduction date 
>is anticipated for the APH Braille Plus 18 Second Generation, all 
>questions regarding availability and pricing of the Braille Plus 
>Second Generation products should be directed to the American 
>Printing House for the Blind.
>
>
>
>Subsequent to the release of the APH products, LevelStar Management 
>will evaluate the feasibility of bringing the products to market 
>under our own brand name. It's clear from feedback we've received 
>that people are confused about the feature and benefit differences 
>between the Orion and the APH Braille Plus Second Generation 
>products. An absence of any differences between the products would 
>indeed result in confusion and not benefit anyone in the process and 
>detract from our goal that is to fulfill the needs of our customers 
>through dedicated research, resulting in the highest quality product!
>
>
>We very much appreciate your interest and share in your excitement 
>as to the world that will be opened with the Braille Plus 18 Second 
>Generation and Braille Plus Second Generation Products!
>
>
>Respectfully,
>
>
>
>Marc Mulcahy
>
>Vice President Engineering
>
>Levelstar, LLC