[Electronics-Talk] Android-based braille notetakers

[Brad Hodges]

Tracy:

While I was not at CSUN, I have had an opportunity to follow the arrival 
of Android-based notetakers. In addition to the 2 you mention, the Apex 
Touch, from Humanware is also available. Of the 3, I would say that the 
Touch is the most available for immediate purchase.

That having been said, in my opinion there are some very important 
considerations created by the switch to the Android operating system for 
our notetaker technology. Your questions illuminate several of these. I 
also believe there is more that we don't know yet which we should know 
in order to evaluate Android as a notetaker operating system.

Rather than relating my understanding of the 2 you mention, and relate 
my very brief experience with the Touch, last week-end, I would 
encourage you to formulate a comprehensive set of evaluation criteria to 
use as you have the opportunity to audition each of the 3 candidates. 
Additionally, don't discount Freedom Scientific's L-Braille, which is 
based on Windows 10 and integrates one of the companies existing braille 
displays with a module containing the processor.

I strongly suggest that those interested in a new notetaker hold off 
until the candidates have made their actual arrival and are ready for 
purchase.

This question might also be something which we may want to address at 
Convention. Perhaps a panel organized by one of our De visions.

Here are a few of the questions which come to my mind so far.

Since they are using an operating system which is intended to support a 
mobile device does the notetaker include the ability to use cellular 
data? Will it support phone calls? How important is this to you?

Which is more important, the availability of phone-like connectivity and 
other exclusive features provided by Android, or an updated experience 
with a familiar menu structure and existing  set of features?

We are accustom to a very fast and responsive interface on legacy 
devices, is the notetaker equally as responsive?

How quickly can the notetaker be activated for immediate input, such as 
capturing a note or appointment? Is there both a sleep mode and power 
down mode? If so what is the difference?

Is the interface logical and easy to follow?

Since this is an Android device, what is the relationship between the 
interface and apps provided by the manufacturer and those apps available 
through the Play Store?

Can Talkback, the Android screen reader be used? If so how does that 
experience contrast with built in menus etc?

How does the notetaker feel while in use? Is the form factor convenient? 
Are keys convenient and responsive? If a touch screen is used how do 
your hands feel after an extended period of use?

How do the braille cells feel? Do they meet your expectations if you are 
experienced with notetaker or refreshable braille?

  How important is the ability of the notetaker to become part of your 
personal echo system, allowing contacts, calendars, documents and such 
to be shared across all your devices and phone? Does the notetaker 
facilitate this if it is of importance?

At the time of product announcements, in mid-March, 3 different versions 
of Android were used, 1 each on the 3 devices. What is the significance, 
if any, of the version of Android used in the notetaker when purchased? 
What is the impact of update availability, and who controls update releases?

Those are just a few quick thoughts which have been running around in my 
mind. I hope that they may be of some use. It has been my experience 
that careful planning and a consistent record of your experience can 
help you make a choice with which you will be very pleased.

Brad





On 4/5/2016 7:16 AM, Tracy Carcione via Electronics-Talk wrote:
> 2 new braille notetakers were announced at CSUN, the NeoBraille and the
> Braille2Go.  Both are based on android phones.
>
> Did anyone happen to go to CSUN and actually use one of these new
> notetakers?
>
> I'm in the market for a new braille notetaker, and I'd like to know what the
> interface for either of these is like.  Does one have to swipe around, or
> does one enter a command from the keyboard to bring up an app?  If I need to
> quickly scribble a note, does the device come on quickly, or do I have to
> mess around with unlocking it, then starting some app?
>
> I know it's a long shot, but I'd love to hear from anyone who's actually had
> hands on one of these new devices.
>
> Tracy
>
>   
>
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