[nfbcs] Introducing BraillePad(R), a Next-Level Braille Device From Apple

Mon Apr 1 14:54:15 UTC 2019

I knew it. April fools.

On 4/1/19, Jack Heim via nfbcs <nfbcs at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> Oh, man, I would not have done this. There is a difference between a
> joke and a hoax.
>
> On 4/1/19 9:08 AM, Humberto Avila via nfbcs wrote:
>> For IMMEDIATE RELEASE
>>
>> April 1st, 2019
>>
>> Cupertino — Today, Apple has proudly announced that, through partnerships
>> with the Orbit Research<http://www.orbitresearch.com>,
>> Vispero<http://www.vispero.com>, and other leading manufacturers of
>> Braille displays on the market, a new innovative solution in the next
>> level of providing accessibility to its users who are Braille readers.
>>
>> ________________________________
>> Meet BraillePad® - a New Way to Read Braille Without the Cost
>>
>> Our revolutionary BraillePad® is a tool designed to take the cost of
>> producing high-quality Braille displays for readers of the tactile system.
>> It is also a tool that will enhance a user’s productivity, efficiency, and
>> freedom — the freedom to know that Braille can be anywhere, at any time,
>> and that it is a mainstream tool for literacy as print fonts are for those
>> who read them.
>>
>> The BraillePad® has the size, weight and length specifications of an iPad®
>> Pro, but with a 7.95 diagonal full-size touchscreen. A 15-cell
>> high-efficiency Braille display replaces our traditional home button,
>> which has signage-quality Braille always at your fingertips. Besides this
>> display is a fingerprint sensor for those users unaccustomed to our
>> flagship FaceID built in to iPhone 10. The Braille pins on the display are
>> powered by the technology that also powers such devices as the Orbit
>> Reader<http://aph.org/orbit-reader-20> and other displays. They retract
>> and lift easily, making the Braille easier to feel and read.
>>
>> Learn more about Features of BraillePad®
>>
>>    *   12.9'' frameboard — the size of a full iPad Pro® but without the
>> screen of one
>>    *   7.9'' diagonal screen — the same screen size as that of an iPad
>> Mini®, which is enough to power the touch screen functions of the
>> BraillePad® device
>>    *   A12X Bionic chip, which supports connections up to 802.1N, X, LTE,
>> and 5G with maximum speeds
>>    *   Stereo speakers and omnidirectional stereo microphones — good for
>> capturing notes and events
>>    *   Integrated 8.4 MP (megapitzels) camera — useful for fast, accurate
>> and efficient Optical Character Recognition (OCR results
>>    *   Integrated Liquid Retina Display with backlight support to change
>> contrast levels easily during nighttime or daytime
>>    *   15-cell Braille display with recractible pins
>>
>> ________________________________
>>
>> “In any given point in time we have never seen Braille become so
>> mainstream and prevalent as it has become today,” said Apple’s CEO Tim
>> Cook. “the BraillePad® is really going to make a lot of difference in many
>> lives that have become cumbersome or shut out because of the
>> unavailability or price of devices with specialized design they have used
>> at school or work.”
>>
>> more about BraillePad®
>>
>> The BraillePad® comes with both Touch and FaceID so users can have many
>> options for unlocking their device. It also comes with a lightening port,
>> a wireless charging station, and a USB 2.0/3.0 port beside the power
>> button — useful for those who take their work offline to and from school,
>> work, or even out making their purchases.
>>
>> BraillePad® is the new iPad of the future for Braille readers. Wherever
>> you go, whether it is in your classroom teaching Braille to a young
>> reader; signing and reading loan or rental paperwork at an office; writing
>> a report for your immediate supervisors; reading choral sheet music at
>> church; or just enjoying a quick book in the comfort of home, BraillePad®
>> is here and it can meet your literacy needs. Among many features that
>> iPhone lovers had come to love, BraillePad® includes these software
>> features:
>>
>> ________________________________
>>
>>    *   iOS 12.1 and Above
>>    *   iCloud support
>>    *   iTunes and Apple Music
>>    *   Instant and immediate syncing with VoiceOver and the Braille
>> display
>>    *
>>    *
>>    *
>>
>> ________________________________
>>
>> “We take inclusivity, belonging, accessibility and universal design at the
>> core of our mainstream values,” said Cook. “The BraillePad® is just yet
>> another example of what we can take out of displaying those values, and
>> truly making people understand that things like Braille are just ways that
>> people of diverse abilities can learn, adapt to their environment and make
>> sense of the world.”
>>
>> The BraillePad® will support all Braille codes, including Unified English
>> Braille, and other codes which VoiceOver already supports, so no need to
>> install any third-party software or apps. If the user will be running
>> VoiceOver that is enough to launch the Braille functionality in
>> BraillePad®.
>>
>> We believe that BraillePad® will enhance the iPad experience to our
>> esteemed Apple VoiceOver users, as well as spreading much more awareness
>> about Braille literacy in ways that have not been done before, such as in
>> education, workforce, and presentation settings. We at Apple seek to send
>> the message that just as there are many languages spoken in our nation, as
>> well as the world, in all corners of the public and private sector,
>> Braille is just another literacy medium anyone can learn and become
>> familiar with in all corners of society. We hope BraillePad® will further
>> attest to this mission.
>>
>> ________________________________
>>
>> To learn more about BraillePad®, and its official launch date of April
>> First, visit www.Apple.com/BraillePad/<http://www.Apple.com/BraillePad/>
>>
>> P.S. April Fools!!!
>>
>> ________________________________
>> April Fools Disclaimer
>>
>> Hope you enjoyed the above message. It is for your entertainment only. It
>> is not or has not been endorsed by Apple, does not come from Apple or is
>> not written by Apple. If anything, I, the composer of this post, accept
>> responsibilities. Please enjoy your April Fools' day as best you can, and
>> relax. They are only pranks.
>>
>> ________________________________
>>
>>
>> “Positive thinking leads to a positive attitude which leads to positive
>> actions which lead to positive outcomes.”
>> — ME
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>
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