[Electronics-Talk] Android-based braille notetakers

Tue Apr 5 14:12:24 UTC 2016

I am assuming that you two are talking about the Braille note touch, I've not heard of the apex touch.

It definitely has a one line Braille display.

It also comes with a touchscreen tablet that you can Braille into much like the iPhone's braille input utility. It also comes with a case that has traditional braille keys on it.

Another android-based note taker that was introduced is the low cost Braille display that the NFB has been involved in.  It definitely has drawbacks, but will cost under $500 which will be interesting to some. 

Hope this helps,

Jim

Written While on the Move

> On Apr 5, 2016, at 6:51 AM, Brad Hodges via Electronics-Talk <electronics-talk at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> 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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