[Electronics-Talk] Android-based braille notetakers

Tue Apr 5 20:31:34 UTC 2016

Tracy,

I was not at CSUN either.  However, I found valuable information at 

http://www.blindbargains.com

and go to their audio page.  There are a number of interviews that were done
at CSUN including one with Humanware.  Those interviews were particularly
good at describing the physical devices that were being discussed.  The
humanware product is one piece in terms of the braille display and the
tablet.  You can braille on the tablet using an on-screen braille keyboard
system.  However, as was mentioned, there is an actual perkins style
keyboard that is integrated into the case that can be used as if it were a
one piece unit.  Some of your questions will not be answered, however.
Also, Brad raises some extremely good points.  The fact that there are three
or more Android devices, they really don't have all that much in common.
You can't assume much.  The one from Humanware has the Keysoft apps that
will work as they did pretty much on the Apex.  Nothing was said during the
interview, though, if they have updated their Keysoft software other than
moving it to Android.  I think their email program for example left much to
be desired as it existed on the BrailleNote.  I believe that Braille to Go
mostly uses actually Android apps to perform its functions, so we don't know
how smoothly they work.  One of the other Android devices only lets you get
apps from their own app store that were specially written for their device
although one might be able to leave their environment and use Android.
After listening to a bunch of these well done interviews, I feel both
excited for the numerous new products and a bit uneasy until I see more.  If
money is a consideration, the Humanware products are $3,995 for a 18-cell
product and $5,495 for a 32-cell model.  They are giving substantial
credits, though, if you have an old brailleNote.  I believe the
Braille-to-go was $2,495.  There is another note-taker that will become
available for $7,500 from Europe soon.  It is going to take careful
research.

Best regards,

Steve

-----Original Message-----
From: Electronics-Talk [mailto:electronics-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
Behalf Of Tracy Carcione via Electronics-Talk
Sent: Tuesday, April 05, 2016 9:25 AM
To: 'Discussion of accessible home electronics and appliances'
<electronics-talk at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Tracy Carcione <carcione at access.net>
Subject: Re: [Electronics-Talk] Android-based braille notetakers

I have looked at the Humanware site for the Braillenote Touch, but it's
light on actual specs.
Is it 3 pieces--braille display, touch tablet, and case?  It seems rather
confusing to me.
Tracy

-----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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