[nabs-l] FW: [real-eyes] about the wizard

[V Nork]

Hello Nabs list, I got this from another list and was intrigued.  I have
bought a lot of books and downloads from NBP, and encouraged to think such a
reputable non profit is involved in producing this device.   Just a bit more
detail here.  Best, Ginnie

-----Original Message-----
From: real-eyes-bounce at freelists.org [mailto:real-eyes-bounce at freelists.org]
5:31 AM
To: real-eyes at freelists.org
Subject: [real-eyes] something new to be on the lookout for

Introducing the Wizard
The Wizard is a braille Personal Digital Assistant, PDA, designed
specifically for blind people.  Most of us use PDA's in our personal lives
and know them as smart phones, iPad's, laptop computers, and even desktop
computers.   The Wizard is a similar device that is tailored for blind
people. Instead of a screen, the Wizard features a 20-character braille
display with synthetic speech output and a standard braille keyboard for
data entry.  Packaged to keep it small and portable, the Wizard is about
half the size of a sheet of paper and less than one inch thick, so users can
take it everywhere they would take a cell phone.    

Why Create Another Braille PDA for Blind People?

Braille PDA's for the blind are not a new concept.  The technology has been
available for almost three decades, but since blindness is a low incidence
disability in the U.S,. the size of this market does not encourage the same
innovation that drives mainstream technology.  As a result, current braille
PDA's are expensive-in the $5,000-10,000 range- and often lack the same
features as sighted people have come to expect in a PDA.   What makes the
Wizard different is that it is being produced by a Boston-based non-profit,
National Braille Press, that is dedicated to literacy for blind people
through braille.  NBP is committed to creating a braille PDA that is
affordable, with a wide range of features, and uses Android as an open
source platform to encourage innovation.  

Wizard Features and Functions

  a.. 8 dot braille keyboard with an imbedded cursor pad. 
  b.. 20 cell, 8 dot braille display with cursor routing and forward and
back keys. 
  c.. Android Operating system found in many smartphones. 
  d.. 32GB of internal storage, users can plug SD cards into the back of the
Wizard to create data backups or to load data from other sources.   
  e.. Bluetooth wireless connectivity for headsets and other hands free
devices. 
  f.. WiFi connectivity to access local networks or other WiFi hotspots. 
  g.. Two USB (Universal Serial Bus) ports for users to connect to other
computer devices. 
  h.. Accelerometer - the same chip that is used in games is also used to
detect the orientation of the Wizard and allows it to adjust when it is
tapped or rotated.   
  i.. Speech input and output for users who want to listen instead of read
braille, the Wizard has synthetic speech output.  It also has speech input
so users can perform voice searches, dial by voice, and create voice short
cuts. 
  j.. Cellular connection for data and voice, which can be used as a cell
phone and smart phone for email, web browsing, and smart applications. 
  k.. Built-in speakers and microphone for users with a cell phone carrier
contract to make and receive phone calls. 
  l.. Headphone/headset jack, a standard jack where users can plug in their
favorite headphones. 
  m.. GPS receiver to identify locations, and with the help of smart
applications, to provide navigation information.  Android-based navigation
applications for blind users are currently being created by other
developers. 
  n.. Compass to help users navigate. 
  o.. Built-in music player. Users can load a music library on the Wizard
and listen via speakers or headset.   
  p.. 5Mp camera, for photography and to identify items or surroundings in
the user's environment.  Applications are available that can photograph and
read a printed page. 
  q.. Video output connector: for users who need a visual display.
National Braille Press is currently in the first year of product development
and making significant progress. A working prototype of the Wizard is
expected to be completed by 2011 and the device will be available to the
public soon after that. Since Android is a working, usable operating system,
we expect to continually upgrade and expand the features of the Wizard.
Applications for the Wizard will be created by third party developers so
there is unlimited possibility for the product to evolve based on the user's
needs.

About National Braille Press The Wizard is a project of the Center for
Braille Innovation (CBI) (insert link) at National Braille Press
(www.nbp.org), which began in the winter of 2009.  In an effort to increase
brwaille literacy, the Wizard was conceived as the first CBI project, one of
many projects that NBP's Center plans to initiate to make accessible
technology products for blind people so that they can stay connected in the
digital world.     NBP is taking a leadership role to research, develop and
produce specific affordable accessible technology products that will help
promote braille literacy for young readers, and support blind students and
adults in school and in the workplace environment.  While paper braille will
not disappear in the immediate future, NBP believes that it is equally
important for blind people to have accessible technology to access
information that the digital age provides

Worldwide Collaborations Since the launch of National Braille Press's Center
for Braille Innovation, NBP has been joined by the National Federation of
the Blind, The China Braille Press, the World Braille Foundation and the
American Printing House for the Blind to partner in various affordable
technology projects for blind people. The Wizard project is being funded by
the National Braille Press, federal appropriations, the National Federation
of the Blind, and the China Braille Press.  As non-profit organizations,
these groups are committed to ensuring that blind people have access to
technology at affordable prices.  If you would like to donate to this
project, please go to (www.nbp.org) to learn more. ![]()

Loading...

Powered by Redmine C 2006-2010 Jean-Philippe Lang 

 

 

Regards, 

Cory Jackson
Escalations Specialist
Freedom Scientific Inc. 
Phone:  727-803-8600 
Address:  11800 31st Ct. N.
St. Petersburg, FL 33716-1805 
Email:  
Support at freedomscientific.com 
Visit our Web Site!
http://www.freedomscientific.com/fs_support/index.cfm 

 

 

To subscribe or to leave the list, or to set other subscription options, go
to www.freelists.org/list/real-eyes