[Electronics-Talk] Android-based braille notetakers

Tue Apr 5 13:26:46 UTC 2016

Thanks Brad.
I looked at the ad for the Humanware Touch, but it does not appear to have a
braille display, which for me is a deal-breaker.
Looking at the FS ad, it appears that the ElBraille will not be available
until at least convention.  Since my current notetaker died suddenly and I'm
now using my good old slate for notes, I'm not sure I'm willing to wait that
long.
Your questions are certainly things worth thinking about.
Both the NeoBraille and B2G say they can have cellular connectivity, but
don't specifically say one could use them for phone calls.
Tracy

-----Original Message-----
From: Electronics-Talk [mailto:electronics-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
Behalf Of Brad Hodges via Electronics-Talk
Sent: Tuesday, April 05, 2016 9:02 AM
To: Discussion of accessible home electronics and appliances
Cc: Brad Hodges
Subject: Re: [Electronics-Talk] Android-based braille notetakers

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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