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

Wed Apr 6 18:44:44 UTC 2016

Tracy:

I suspect that all of the new note-takers will expect standard Braille,
i.e., no personal contractions. Guess that trusty slate will hafta do!

Mike

-----Original Message-----
From: Electronics-Talk [mailto:electronics-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
Behalf Of Tracy Carcione via Electronics-Talk
Sent: Wednesday, April 06, 2016 11:21 AM
To: Discussion of accessible home electronics and appliances
Cc: Tracy Carcione
Subject: Re: [Electronics-Talk] [EXTERNAL] Re: Android-based braille
notetakers

I'm not sure I'd like touch braille much, either.  I found specs, and they
say the unit weighs 3 pounds, with case.  This is way more than I want to
schlep, so I've pretty much dropped the BrailleNote from my list of
contenders.  My days of dragging around 2 or 3 pounds of equipment are over.
And, the specs say every doc has to be in a mainstream format, implying it
expects the braille to be written in a standard way, no more of my personal
contractions.  And it can't import any of my old .kwb files, either.  Guess
that makes 3 strikes, at least while I'm umpiring.
Tracy

> 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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