[Electronics-Talk] Android-based braille notetakers

Tue Apr 5 14:17:26 UTC 2016

Jim,
You are right to remind people about the 20 cell display/notetaker from the
Reforming Braille group. I think though that it will not be available until
September? Also, Tracy, the B2G and the NeoBrille both present like standard
notetakers; what I mean is that each has a braille keyboard with a display
below that. The B2G is, I think, available for purchase now and the
BrailleNote Touch should be by May, I think.
Best
Jim McCarthy

-----Original Message-----
From: Electronics-Talk [mailto:electronics-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
Behalf Of Jim Barbour via Electronics-Talk
Sent: Tuesday, April 05, 2016 10:12 AM
To: Discussion of accessible home electronics and appliances
Cc: Jim Barbour
Subject: Re: [Electronics-Talk] Android-based braille notetakers

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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