[Electronics-Talk] Android-based braille notetakers

Wed Apr 6 20:56:18 UTC 2016

Hi. I've heatrd it might be on  sale  by november  and be about 500$s, 
lets hope that's the case or less.
Original message:
> The effort is referred to as Transforming Braille, I think. The project has
> a manufacturer and I am not really sure how it will be distributed. It
> sounds to me like one will be able to buy a 20 cell unit perhaps by
> September, though I am not completely certain about that either. It also
> appears that cost will be considerably less than the braille display
> products we all are used to seeing but I do not know the probable cost to
> purchase one.
> Jim McCarthy

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Electronics-Talk [mailto:electronics-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
> Behalf Of Lauren Merryfield via Electronics-Talk
> Sent: Tuesday, April 05, 2016 11:15 AM
> To: 'Discussion of accessible home electronics and appliances'
> Cc: Lauren Merryfield
> Subject: Re: [Electronics-Talk] Android-based braille notetakers

> Hi,
> What is the device the NFB is involved in? Where can we find out more about
> it? I guess I've missed that one.
> Thanks,
> Lauren

> Blessings in Jesus' name! John 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as He is in
> the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, His
> Son, purifies us from all sin. ... My digital evangelism blog is at:
> w w w . ask in jesus name . org (remove the spaces).
> Advice from my cats:"meow when you feel like it."


> -----Original Message-----
> From: Electronics-Talk [mailto:electronics-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
> Behalf Of Jim Barbour via Electronics-Talk
> Sent: Tuesday, April 5, 2016 7:12 AM
> To: Discussion of accessible home electronics and appliances
> <electronics-talk at nfbnet.org>
> Cc: Jim Barbour <jbar at barcore.com>
> 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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