[Electronics-Talk] Android-based braille notetakers

Tue Apr 5 14:17:00 UTC 2016

The BrailleNote Touch does have a Braille display. One of my questions is: will these devices be able to pair with iPhones and other such devices in a terminal mode?
Aleeha
> On Apr 5, 2016, at 9:12 AM, Jim Barbour via Electronics-Talk <electronics-talk at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> 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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