[Electronics-Talk] [EXTERNAL] Re: Android-based braille notetakers

Wed Apr 6 17:47:43 UTC 2016

The Braillenote Touch does come with either an 18 or 32 cell BD, just
like the other Braillenotes.

Andy

-----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 6:27 AM
To: 'Discussion of accessible home electronics and appliances'
Cc: Tracy Carcione
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Re: [Electronics-Talk] Android-based braille
notetakers

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
>
>   
>
> _______________________________________________
> Electronics-Talk mailing list
> Electronics-Talk at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/electronics-talk_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
Electronics-Talk:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/electronics-talk_nfbnet.org/brad.hod
> ges%40outlook.com

_______________________________________________
Electronics-Talk mailing list
Electronics-Talk at nfbnet.org
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/electronics-talk_nfbnet.org
To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
Electronics-Talk:
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/electronics-talk_nfbnet.org/carcione%4
0acc
ess.net

_______________________________________________
Electronics-Talk mailing list
Electronics-Talk at nfbnet.org
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/electronics-talk_nfbnet.org
To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
Electronics-Talk:
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/electronics-talk_nfbnet.org/andrew.bar
acco%40va.gov