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

Wed Apr 6 17:50:12 UTC 2016

I was unable to get the hang of entering Braille on the touch screen.
Thank God that they offer a case that has the regular Perkins style keys
and this top can be brought down to cover the touch screen.

Andy

-----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 6:51 AM
To: Discussion of accessible home electronics and appliances
Cc: Brad Hodges
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Re: [Electronics-Talk] Android-based braille
notetakers

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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