I asked the questions about Kitkat and more recent apps. The reason given for
going with KitKat was that it had their preferred level of accessibility. They
also said that Google was concerned to continue supporting older OS versions
because of the numbers of their customers who’re still working with devices
running them. There was an estimate that around fifty per cent of all Android
users are still using KitKat and older versions. Humanware will be putting on
its website a page recommending apps on the grounds of accessibility. But there
was also a general Caveat emptor warning about buying apps from the Play store
as many will not have been optimised for accessibility.
On 26 Apr 2016, at 17:12, paul leake <paul.leake@xxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
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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