[Electronics-Talk] Android-based braille notetakers

Wed Apr 6 22:54:36 UTC 2016

Definitely. I think even onna a fixed income we could eventually eachh 
have one sinvce my husband and I are botyh braille readers. that would 
be great.
Original message:
> 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
>> 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


>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>> 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.
>>>>> h
>>>>> od
>>>>> 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/carcio
>>>> n
>>>> e%40acc
>>>> 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/brad.h
>>>> o
>>>> dges%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/jbar%40
>>> b
>>> arcore.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/lauren%4
>> 0catli
>> nes.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/jmccarth
>> y%40md
>> tap.org


>> _______________________________________________
>> 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/tinabir%
>> 40samobile.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/jmccarthy%40md
> tap.org


> _______________________________________________
> 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/tinabir%40samobile.net