[Electronics-Talk] Android-based braille notetakers

Wed Apr 6 21:00:44 UTC 2016

Tina,
I hear similar figures for the price of the device. It is doubtful that the
cost will be less than $500 but even in such a case, that is considerably
less money than any 20 cell display available today, half the price of the
least expensive display about which I am aware. The Braille Pen 12 is, I
think about $1,000 and it only has 12 cells. My point is that the group has
certainly achieved the goal of reducing the cost of braille displays.
Jim McCarthy

-----Original Message-----
From: Electronics-Talk [mailto:electronics-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
Behalf Of tina sohl via Electronics-Talk
Sent: Wednesday, April 06, 2016 4:56 PM
To: electronics-talk at nfbnet.org
Cc: tina sohl
Subject: Re: [Electronics-Talk] Android-based braille notetakers

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 
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> -----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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