[Electronics-Talk] Android-based braille notetakers

Brad Hodges brad.hodges at outlook.com
Tue Apr 5 14:27:32 UTC 2016 

Greetings:

I thank several of you for the name correction and clarification. 
Perhaps I was confused by early coverage of the device release.

I just talked with a product specialist from Humanware. He informed me 
that for the first release the Touch will not provide the terminal mode 
you mention, and consequently will not connect as a braille display to 
phones and other devices. This feature is planned for the first update 
release.

Brad




On 4/5/2016 10:17 AM, Aleeha Dudley via Electronics-Talk wrote:
> 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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