Interesting Ian. How did you hear of the launch and where was
it?
I wonder if the silent keyboard write as fast as the in-case one,
it'd be interesting to test this. Also my concern is that the
use of kitcat means that we're behind before we start the race"
as my guess is that they won't develop the operating system
beyond that and in five years time where will that leave the
product? What are your thoughts about this question?
Yes, it does look interesting and I intend to get a demo to put
it through its paces!
Kind regards,
Paul
paul.leake@xxxxxxxxxxxx
,twitter: @paulleake1
----- Original Message -----
From: "Ian Macrae" <dmarc-noreply@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> (Redacted sender
"ian.macrae1" for DMARC)
To: access-uk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Date sent: Tue, 26 Apr 2016 16:34:56 +0100
Subject: [access-uk] THOUGHT FOLLOWING BRAILLENOTE TOUCH LAUNCH
Just back from the Humanware event. the launch was a smoothly
and professionally run event with Humanware as usual showing that
it cares about its customers. I went to it not exactly a sceptic
but certain requiring persuasion. I cam away from it not
converted but definitely impressed. this is exactly what it
claims to be an android tablet with Braille fully integrated.
Any concerns about Android accessibility or usability are dealt
with by the fact that the tablet is operated using Humanware's
proprietary Keysoft suite of apps as an overlay. In other words,
if you know the commands and conventions of using keysoft you can
run the Braillenote Touch as a tablet. In order to operate in a
more demanding environment Keysoft has had several elements
upgraded. So you might say that what it is is a Tablet disguised
as a Humanware note taker. The demo strongly indicated that
everything you would want to do on the tablet from writing and
sending an email to searching for and watching a You
Tube videos can be effectively done using the Keysoft apps. One
thing that's different from previous Humanware products is that
if you create a document in Keyword, the word processor app, it
is presented in Microsoft docx format. But the real kicker is
the method for inputting Braille. If you briefly rest your
fingers on the touch screen behind the Braille display it gives a
short vibration. This means it has recognised your fingers and
the positions they are in. You can then begin inputting Braille
directly on to the screen which appears on the Braille line.
What I found interesting was that even things like dot 8 for
enter and 7 for backspace performed these actual functions. The
device can also be supplied with a smart case which also contains
a full Humanware Braille keyboard.
I have to say, being a hopeless gadget boy, when I saw and used
it I immediately wanted one. Trouble is that I can do all of
these things accessibly on my iPad and iPhone optionally using my
Braille device via bluetooth. The difference of course is that
the Keysoft first letter selection method of navigation means
that if you land on a web page and have no idea what it looks
like or where anything is, you can immediately find the search
button by pressing the Braille . letter s.
It comes in two versions, 18 and 40 cell displays. the former is
2995 and the latter 3995 which gives some indication of how much
the price is loaded by the cost of the Braille cells and tech.
If I was starting all over and didn't have any other devices I
would give it serious consideration. But its real potential lies
with learners inparticular who are coming new to Braille but who
also want a tablet. ** To leave the list, click on the
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