[Electronics-Talk] Android-based braille notetakers

Tue Apr 5 13:51:18 UTC 2016

Greetings:

I have had a brief audition of the Touch, and it includes a braille 
display. If it is a consideration, I'm sure if you contact humanware you 
can arrange an in-person audition. I don't know what plans the other 
manufacturers have for demonstrations.

My direct e-mail is brad.hodges at outlook.com, if you would like to 
communicate directly.

Brad

On 4/5/2016 9:26 AM, Tracy Carcione via Electronics-Talk wrote:
> 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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