[Techno-Chat]: Re: Braille Sense Polaris, BrailleNote Touch

[Gordon Smith]

No, you’re absolutely wrong there. I’m definitely not a HumanWare man anything. 
There’s plenty that’s wrong with the Touch, and I have said so repeatedly in 
several places, including both this group and also to HumanWare themselves!

I’m not knocking the Hims offering. I only had a brief play with it but I do 
totally accept that it has some innovative and very worthwhile facets. Yes, the 
keyboard is very nice, as Debbie said in a precious post. I think all Hims 
keyboards are much better than the HumanWare keyboard. In fact, there is a lot 
of HumanWare’s offing which was ported directly from the old Apex. 
Specifically, the keyboard and the cursor routers, not to mention the Braille 
cells themselves.

Hims provides a very nice cover for the cells which will, I am sure, prove to 
be an unqualified hit! To the best of my knowledge, they are the only company 
offering this kind of robust protection.


If there’s one design flaw with the HumanWare BrailleNote Touch, it has to be 
the case. Why on earth they decided to include the keyboard in the case itself 
is a mystery. They do, in fact, sell a custom case designed to hold just the 
tablet itself, without a keyboard. But the main weakness in the Touch’s design 
philosophy has to be the nylon cover for the device and the pathetically weak 
magnetic strips which are supposed to Hold the already fragile cover in place.

Experience has shown me only too well just how poor this is. When you’re 
walking with the Touch on your shoulder, the strips on the side of the case 
which are supposed to protect the switches and side-mounted access ports often 
just drop open.  This causes the entire case to flop down beneath the device, 
thus exposing the keyboard, Braille cells, cursor routers and more besides to 
the elements.

So no, I absolutely and utterly robot your ill-informed allegations completely. 
I have made my views very well know to those inside HumanWare, and very 
vociferously at that! So please, if you’re going to make wild allegations based 
on your own interpretation of other people’s views, don’t use me as your 
target. I speak as I find, and the comment which I’ve made to this group are 
based on my own findings and observations. It is not I, I would also point out, 
who just reads about something and claims to know all about it! I’m not 
suggesting it is you either, just for the record.


> On 24 Jun 2017, at 01:54, Dane Trethowan  wrote:
> 
> Humanware Man through and through? Sounds like a good made up lot of 
> flapdoodle.
> 
> 
> 
> On 24/06/2017 1:41 AM, Gordon Smith wrote:
>> That is utterly the wrong approach. The Touch, for example, gives you the 
>> option. You don’t have to use the touch screen at all, but it’s there if you 
>> want too. The device is intended for the use of the vision impaired and the 
>> blind and, of course, the deaf blind. Like the Hims tablet, the Touch also 
>> has a vibrating motor which can be configured for events. And its touch 
>> screen is there for all. If you’re blind, you can toggle off the video 
>> output to conserve battery power, but even with the video disabled, you can 
>> still type on the touch screen and, optionally, still use gestures.
>> 
>> So I’m sorry, but I think that Hims has made a gross error of judgement 
>> there. Of course, it may be that the Samsung hardware on which the device is 
>> based did not easily lend itself to a touch screen. I think it’s a dreadful 
>> shame though, as with the inclusion of a touch screen it would have been a 
>> truly spectacular device.
>> 
>> Now, it is true that one can perform some touch gestures on the Braille 
>> display itself. So that may go some way to addressing the issue. I haven’t 
>> had the opportunity to try that aspect yet. But I’m sure I shall, and soon. 
>> But having played with the divide, in terms of its interface It comes a poor 
>> second in my opinion. In terms of specifications, it comes out the clear 
>> winner.
>> 
>> I need it to be understood that I am totally unprejudiced with these 
>> comments. I am not, as some people have accused me of being recently, a 
>> HumanWare man through and through. I’m just trying to be objective.
>> 
>>> On 23 Jun 2017, at 10:37, Dane Trethowan  wrote:
>>> 
>>> I think the absence of a touch screen on a device may very well be a 
>>> blessing for Hims Inc as not everyone is interested in a touch screen.
>>> 
>>> 3GB of RAM is more than enough, though some of the newer Android devices 
>>> have 4GB - and some 6GB - 3 is still ample, my absolute minimum would be 
>>> 1GB, the Neo Set Top Box I use has 2Gb and it speeds along most of the time 
>>> but with 1GB you do notice things slowing down, another device I have - 
>>> can't remember its name, its an Android Desktop computer - only has 1GB.
>>> 
>>> Obviously I've not seen one of these machines but I can tell you that I 
>>> like stereo speakers on a device, they make the world of difference 

[Techno-Chat]: Sound Forge Pro Mac; A Fantastic Offer, With A Sting In The Tail!

[Gordon Smith]

Hello everybody

OK, as I said earlier, I just decided to avail myself of the Sound Forge offer. 
I went through the process and everything went fine. Then it came to the E-Mail 
pointing me to the secure download server. In order to redeem my purchased 
software, as click on the “I’m Not A Robot” checkbox, and then I selected “Get 
An Audio Challenge” on the verification screen. I got an audio message, saying:
“We’re sorry. Google cannot process your request at this time. Please try later”

How ironic! Actually I’ve just been informed that the video eCapcher image 
isn’t working either. So it seems there is a major problem with the Magix 
server or the Google authentication website.



smime.p7s
Description: S/MIME cryptographic signature

Re: [Techno-Chat]: Braille Sense Polaris: First Impressions

[Dane Trethowan]

And a forth choice actually, a mobile phone or tablet with a Braille 
display.




On 26/06/2017 12:26 AM, Gordon Smith wrote:

Yes, I totally agree about keyboard. All I was pointing out was that the 
option, and that’s the key word, “Option” doesn’t exist.

That said, I do agree that the Polaris is a very nice device and has excellent 
hardware specs. When it comes to note takers, however, we now have 3 choices. 
There’s the HumanWare one, (which I like, and use a lot), the Braille Sense 
Polaris, which I tried the other day, which I’m sure I would come to like a lot 
if I had the opportunity to use it extensively, and the ElBraille. I plan to 
buy an ElBraille for my business needs as tat would be the best all-round 
device for me. I do feel that both Hims and HumanWare kind of missed the boat a 
bit by not including an. Option for mobile communications. That is one area 
which EliTech Group has hit a winning note in my opinion.

All that said, were there an upgrade option on my Braille Sense U2, I would 
seriously consider that option.



On 24 Jun 2017, at 04:05, Debbie Yuille  wrote:

But then you would  most likely have a fold down keyboard that is noisy like 
the touch's keyboard. The Polaris' keyboard is super quiet and in my opinion, a 
lot quicker to type on than using touch braille. That is why I prefer the 
Polaris. I like that we now have choice with our notetakers, one that's 
designed for touch braille and one that is designed for people who want a quiet 
and fast braille keyboard.

Debbie

-Original Message-
From: Gordon Smith [mailto:gor...@mac-access.net]
Sent: Saturday, 24 June 2017 1:42 AM
To: Techno-Chat ... Technology Enthusiasm! 
Subject: Re: [Techno-Chat]: Braille Sense Polaris: First Impressions

That is utterly the wrong approach. The Touch, for example, gives you the 
option. You don’t have to use the touch screen at all, but it’s there if you 
want too. The device is intended for the use of the vision impaired and the 
blind and, of course, the deaf blind. Like the Hims tablet, the Touch also has 
a vibrating motor which can be configured for events. And its touch screen is 
there for all. If you’re blind, you can toggle off the video output to conserve 
battery power, but even with the video disabled, you can still type on the 
touch screen and, optionally, still use gestures.

So I’m sorry, but I think that Hims has made a gross error of judgement there. 
Of course, it may be that the Samsung hardware on which the device is based did 
not easily lend itself to a touch screen. I think it’s a dreadful shame though, 
as with the inclusion of a touch screen it would have been a truly spectacular 
device.

Now, it is true that one can perform some touch gestures on the Braille display 
itself. So that may go some way to addressing the issue. I haven’t had the 
opportunity to try that aspect yet. But I’m sure I shall, and soon. But having 
played with the divide, in terms of its interface It comes a poor second in my 
opinion. In terms of specifications, it comes out the clear winner.

I need it to be understood that I am totally unprejudiced with these comments. 
I am not, as some people have accused me of being recently, a HumanWare man 
through and through. I’m just trying to be objective.


On 23 Jun 2017, at 10:37, Dane Trethowan  wrote:

I think the absence of a touch screen on a device may very well be a blessing 
for Hims Inc as not everyone is interested in a touch screen.

3GB of RAM is more than enough, though some of the newer Android devices have 
4GB - and some 6GB - 3 is still ample, my absolute minimum would be 1GB, the 
Neo Set Top Box I use has 2Gb and it speeds along most of the time but with 1GB 
you do notice things slowing down, another device I have - can't remember its 
name, its an Android Desktop computer - only has 1GB.

Obviously I've not seen one of these machines but I can tell you that I like 
stereo speakers on a device, they make the world of difference even when 
listening to spoken word.

Does the machine have any Bluetooth capabilities? It would be nice if you could 
stream audio from the unit to say a B T7, headphones, hearing instruments or 
similar.

Conversely it would be nice to stream to the machine from say another mobile 
device.

I like Chrome very much, I use it here on the Sony xPeria in the Android world 
and on the Windows PC.

I have to admit that - for me personally - I'm not at all interested in a Note 
Taking device with a Touch Screen, I'm thinking about the purchase of an 
ElBraille though I do like the Hims Inc way of doing things.

I had a Voice Sense a number of years ago and I do miss that machine in several 
ways though the software could no longer be updated so it was pointless keeping 
that device.

I sincerely hope Hims Inc have done some work in the Wireless connectivity 
department, on the Voice Sense the Wi-Fi was truly and 

Re: [Techno-Chat]: Sound Forge Pro Mac; A Fantastic Offer, With A Sting In The Tail!

[Dane Trethowan]

Okay you shouldn't have to click on any of those challenges, I got the 
App automatically by clicking on the Start Download button.




On 26/06/2017 1:58 AM, Gordon Smith wrote:

Hello everybody

OK, as I said earlier, I just decided to avail myself of the Sound Forge offer. 
I went through the process and everything went fine. Then it came to the E-Mail 
pointing me to the secure download server. In order to redeem my purchased 
software, as click on the “I’m Not A Robot” checkbox, and then I selected “Get 
An Audio Challenge” on the verification screen. I got an audio message, saying:
“We’re sorry. Google cannot process your request at this time. Please try later”

How ironic! Actually I’ve just been informed that the video eCapcher image 
isn’t working either. So it seems there is a major problem with the Magix 
server or the Google authentication website.



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Re: [Techno-Chat]: Braille Sense Polaris: First Impressions

[Gordon Smith]

Yes, I totally agree about keyboard. All I was pointing out was that the 
option, and that’s the key word, “Option” doesn’t exist.

That said, I do agree that the Polaris is a very nice device and has excellent 
hardware specs. When it comes to note takers, however, we now have 3 choices. 
There’s the HumanWare one, (which I like, and use a lot), the Braille Sense 
Polaris, which I tried the other day, which I’m sure I would come to like a lot 
if I had the opportunity to use it extensively, and the ElBraille. I plan to 
buy an ElBraille for my business needs as tat would be the best all-round 
device for me. I do feel that both Hims and HumanWare kind of missed the boat a 
bit by not including an. Option for mobile communications. That is one area 
which EliTech Group has hit a winning note in my opinion.

All that said, were there an upgrade option on my Braille Sense U2, I would 
seriously consider that option.


> On 24 Jun 2017, at 04:05, Debbie Yuille  wrote:
> 
> But then you would  most likely have a fold down keyboard that is noisy like 
> the touch's keyboard. The Polaris' keyboard is super quiet and in my opinion, 
> a lot quicker to type on than using touch braille. That is why I prefer the 
> Polaris. I like that we now have choice with our notetakers, one that's 
> designed for touch braille and one that is designed for people who want a 
> quiet and fast braille keyboard.
> 
> Debbie
> 
> -Original Message-
> From: Gordon Smith [mailto:gor...@mac-access.net] 
> Sent: Saturday, 24 June 2017 1:42 AM
> To: Techno-Chat ... Technology Enthusiasm! 
> Subject: Re: [Techno-Chat]: Braille Sense Polaris: First Impressions
> 
> That is utterly the wrong approach. The Touch, for example, gives you the 
> option. You don’t have to use the touch screen at all, but it’s there if you 
> want too. The device is intended for the use of the vision impaired and the 
> blind and, of course, the deaf blind. Like the Hims tablet, the Touch also 
> has a vibrating motor which can be configured for events. And its touch 
> screen is there for all. If you’re blind, you can toggle off the video output 
> to conserve battery power, but even with the video disabled, you can still 
> type on the touch screen and, optionally, still use gestures.
> 
> So I’m sorry, but I think that Hims has made a gross error of judgement 
> there. Of course, it may be that the Samsung hardware on which the device is 
> based did not easily lend itself to a touch screen. I think it’s a dreadful 
> shame though, as with the inclusion of a touch screen it would have been a 
> truly spectacular device.
> 
> Now, it is true that one can perform some touch gestures on the Braille 
> display itself. So that may go some way to addressing the issue. I haven’t 
> had the opportunity to try that aspect yet. But I’m sure I shall, and soon. 
> But having played with the divide, in terms of its interface It comes a poor 
> second in my opinion. In terms of specifications, it comes out the clear 
> winner.
> 
> I need it to be understood that I am totally unprejudiced with these 
> comments. I am not, as some people have accused me of being recently, a 
> HumanWare man through and through. I’m just trying to be objective.
> 
>> On 23 Jun 2017, at 10:37, Dane Trethowan  wrote:
>> 
>> I think the absence of a touch screen on a device may very well be a 
>> blessing for Hims Inc as not everyone is interested in a touch screen.
>> 
>> 3GB of RAM is more than enough, though some of the newer Android devices 
>> have 4GB - and some 6GB - 3 is still ample, my absolute minimum would be 
>> 1GB, the Neo Set Top Box I use has 2Gb and it speeds along most of the time 
>> but with 1GB you do notice things slowing down, another device I have - 
>> can't remember its name, its an Android Desktop computer - only has 1GB.
>> 
>> Obviously I've not seen one of these machines but I can tell you that I like 
>> stereo speakers on a device, they make the world of difference even when 
>> listening to spoken word.
>> 
>> Does the machine have any Bluetooth capabilities? It would be nice if you 
>> could stream audio from the unit to say a B T7, headphones, hearing 
>> instruments or similar.
>> 
>> Conversely it would be nice to stream to the machine from say another mobile 
>> device.
>> 
>> I like Chrome very much, I use it here on the Sony xPeria in the Android 
>> world and on the Windows PC.
>> 
>> I have to admit that - for me personally - I'm not at all interested in a 
>> Note Taking device with a Touch Screen, I'm thinking about the purchase of 
>> an ElBraille though I do like the Hims Inc way of doing things.
>> 
>> I had a Voice Sense a number of years ago and I do miss that machine in 
>> several ways though the software could no longer be updated so it was 
>> pointless keeping that device.
>> 
>> I sincerely hope Hims Inc have done some work in the Wireless 

[Techno-Chat]: Bluetooth 5 is here, but few accessories will support it before 2018 - The Verge

[Dane Trethowan]

Big changes afoot wiht Bluetooth and - if you have a Samsung S8 - you'll 
be able to take full advantage of Bluetooth 5 devices when they arrive 
on the shop floor.
https://www.theverge.com/circuitbreaker/2017/5/26/15687670/bluetooth-5-anker-incipio-griffin-iphone-samsung-coming-soon 



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**
"Live each day as if you were goiing to die tomorrow, learn each day as 
if you were going to live forever"


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[Techno-Chat]: What is Sony LDAC, and how does it do it? | Sound+Image | News | AVHub

[Dane Trethowan]

If you're into HD and High Res audio then you'll want to keep up with 
the following site - particularly if you own products which are Sony 
LDAC compatible -
http://www.avhub.com.au/news/sound-image/what-is-sony-ldac-and-how-does-it-do-it-408285 



--

**
"Live each day as if you were goiing to die tomorrow, learn each day as if you were 
going to live forever"

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This post, like all posts to the Techno Chat E-Mail group has been scanned by 
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as a substitution for your own security strategy. We assume no culpability 
whatever, implicit or otherwise, for any compromise to your systems as a result 
of opening any post to this group. Suffice it to say that we remain vigilant 
within the boundaries of reason. We strongly urge you to do likewise! You have 
been warned!!!

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RE: [Techno-Chat]: Bluetooth 5 is here, but few accessories will support it before 2018 - The Verge

[Iaen Cordell]

Thanks sire, may wait for the note 8 [late September]

-Original Message-
From: Dane Trethowan [mailto:grtd...@internode.on.net] 
Sent: Sunday, June 25, 2017 8:22 PM
To: techno-chat@techno-chat.net
Subject: [Techno-Chat]: Bluetooth 5 is here, but few accessories will support 
it before 2018 - The Verge

Big changes afoot wiht Bluetooth and - if you have a Samsung S8 - you'll be 
able to take full advantage of Bluetooth 5 devices when they arrive on the shop 
floor.
https://www.theverge.com/circuitbreaker/2017/5/26/15687670/bluetooth-5-anker-incipio-griffin-iphone-samsung-coming-soon
 


-- 

**
"Live each day as if you were goiing to die tomorrow, learn each day as if you 
were going to live forever"

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as a substitution for your own security strategy. We assume no culpability 
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of opening any post to this group. Suffice it to say that we remain vigilant 
within the boundaries of reason. We strongly urge you to do likewise! You have 
been warned!!!

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Re: [Techno-Chat]: Sound Forge Pro Mac; A Fantastic Offer, With A Sting In The Tail!

[Gordon Smith]

Interesting. I was forced to enter a challenge response.


> On 25 Jun 2017, at 17:32, Dane Trethowan  wrote:
> 
> Okay you shouldn't have to click on any of those challenges, I got the App 
> automatically by clicking on the Start Download button.
> 
> 
> 
> On 26/06/2017 1:58 AM, Gordon Smith wrote:
>> Hello everybody
>> 
>> OK, as I said earlier, I just decided to avail myself of the Sound Forge 
>> offer. I went through the process and everything went fine. Then it came to 
>> the E-Mail pointing me to the secure download server. In order to redeem my 
>> purchased software, as click on the “I’m Not A Robot” checkbox, and then I 
>> selected “Get An Audio Challenge” on the verification screen. I got an audio 
>> message, saying:
>> “We’re sorry. Google cannot process your request at this time. Please try 
>> later”
>> 
>> How ironic! Actually I’ve just been informed that the video eCapcher image 
>> isn’t working either. So it seems there is a major problem with the Magix 
>> server or the Google authentication website.
>> 
> 
> -- 
> 
> **
> "Live each day as if you were goiing to die tomorrow, learn each day as if 
> you were going to live forever"
> 
> --
> 
> This post, like all posts to the Techno Chat E-Mail group has been scanned by 
> our server-side antivirus/malware solution. This should not, however, be 
> viewed as a substitution for your own security strategy. We assume no 
> culpability whatever, implicit or otherwise, for any compromise to your 
> systems as a result of opening any post to this group. Suffice it to say that 
> we remain vigilant within the boundaries of reason. We strongly urge you to 
> do likewise! You have been warned!!!
> 
> You can find an RSS listing of all posts to this group at:
> 
> 
> To encourage your friends to join this group, first accept our thanks for 
> spreading the word. Then, have them send a message to the list processing 
> engine at:
> 
> To toggle on/off Digest (batch) mode for this group, please send a blank 
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> 
> To contact the support address for this group, please write to:
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> 
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> 



smime.p7s
Description: S/MIME cryptographic signature

Re: [Techno-Chat]: Braille Sense Polaris: First Impressions

[Gordon Smith]

That is an option, yes. But you’re not going to get quite the same level of 
convenience doing things that way. I am also given to understand, and I haven’t 
checked this, that you need to use BrailleBack with the Polaris to control and 
interface with a phone. With the Touch, that level of connectivity is in-built 
to KeySoft.


> On 25 Jun 2017, at 17:30, Dane Trethowan  wrote:
> 
> And a forth choice actually, a mobile phone or tablet with a Braille display.
> 
> 
> 
> On 26/06/2017 12:26 AM, Gordon Smith wrote:
>> Yes, I totally agree about keyboard. All I was pointing out was that the 
>> option, and that’s the key word, “Option” doesn’t exist.
>> 
>> That said, I do agree that the Polaris is a very nice device and has 
>> excellent hardware specs. When it comes to note takers, however, we now have 
>> 3 choices. There’s the HumanWare one, (which I like, and use a lot), the 
>> Braille Sense Polaris, which I tried the other day, which I’m sure I would 
>> come to like a lot if I had the opportunity to use it extensively, and the 
>> ElBraille. I plan to buy an ElBraille for my business needs as tat would be 
>> the best all-round device for me. I do feel that both Hims and HumanWare 
>> kind of missed the boat a bit by not including an. Option for mobile 
>> communications. That is one area which EliTech Group has hit a winning note 
>> in my opinion.
>> 
>> All that said, were there an upgrade option on my Braille Sense U2, I would 
>> seriously consider that option.
>> 
>> 
>>> On 24 Jun 2017, at 04:05, Debbie Yuille  wrote:
>>> 
>>> But then you would  most likely have a fold down keyboard that is noisy 
>>> like the touch's keyboard. The Polaris' keyboard is super quiet and in my 
>>> opinion, a lot quicker to type on than using touch braille. That is why I 
>>> prefer the Polaris. I like that we now have choice with our notetakers, one 
>>> that's designed for touch braille and one that is designed for people who 
>>> want a quiet and fast braille keyboard.
>>> 
>>> Debbie
>>> 
>>> -Original Message-
>>> From: Gordon Smith [mailto:gor...@mac-access.net]
>>> Sent: Saturday, 24 June 2017 1:42 AM
>>> To: Techno-Chat ... Technology Enthusiasm! 
>>> Subject: Re: [Techno-Chat]: Braille Sense Polaris: First Impressions
>>> 
>>> That is utterly the wrong approach. The Touch, for example, gives you the 
>>> option. You don’t have to use the touch screen at all, but it’s there if 
>>> you want too. The device is intended for the use of the vision impaired and 
>>> the blind and, of course, the deaf blind. Like the Hims tablet, the Touch 
>>> also has a vibrating motor which can be configured for events. And its 
>>> touch screen is there for all. If you’re blind, you can toggle off the 
>>> video output to conserve battery power, but even with the video disabled, 
>>> you can still type on the touch screen and, optionally, still use gestures.
>>> 
>>> So I’m sorry, but I think that Hims has made a gross error of judgement 
>>> there. Of course, it may be that the Samsung hardware on which the device 
>>> is based did not easily lend itself to a touch screen. I think it’s a 
>>> dreadful shame though, as with the inclusion of a touch screen it would 
>>> have been a truly spectacular device.
>>> 
>>> Now, it is true that one can perform some touch gestures on the Braille 
>>> display itself. So that may go some way to addressing the issue. I haven’t 
>>> had the opportunity to try that aspect yet. But I’m sure I shall, and soon. 
>>> But having played with the divide, in terms of its interface It comes a 
>>> poor second in my opinion. In terms of specifications, it comes out the 
>>> clear winner.
>>> 
>>> I need it to be understood that I am totally unprejudiced with these 
>>> comments. I am not, as some people have accused me of being recently, a 
>>> HumanWare man through and through. I’m just trying to be objective.
>>> 
 On 23 Jun 2017, at 10:37, Dane Trethowan  wrote:
 
 I think the absence of a touch screen on a device may very well be a 
 blessing for Hims Inc as not everyone is interested in a touch screen.
 
 3GB of RAM is more than enough, though some of the newer Android devices 
 have 4GB - and some 6GB - 3 is still ample, my absolute minimum would be 
 1GB, the Neo Set Top Box I use has 2Gb and it speeds along most of the 
 time but with 1GB you do notice things slowing down, another device I have 
 - can't remember its name, its an Android Desktop computer - only has 1GB.
 
 Obviously I've not seen one of these machines but I can tell you that I 
 like stereo speakers on a device, they make the world of difference even 
 when listening to spoken word.
 
 Does the machine have any Bluetooth capabilities? It would be nice if you 
 could stream audio from the unit to say a B T7, headphones, hearing 
 

[Techno-Chat]: Downloading SoundForge Professional Mac

[Gordon Smith]

To put the records strait. This didn’t work the first time I tried it. But 
second time, I got a very good audio challenge. So, to be fair, it looks like 
there was a temporary outage at Google which is now fixed.




smime.p7s
Description: S/MIME cryptographic signature

Re: [Techno-Chat]: Braille Sense Polaris: First Impressions

[Dane Trethowan]

You're right, you're nog to get the same level of convenience using a 
Mobile device with a Braille display, you're going to get an even better 
level of convenience not to mention an even better level of flexibility.


Yep, you have to download the Brailleback App from Google Play Store and 
enable that App before the Braille Display will be acknowledge.




On 26/06/2017 3:36 AM, Gordon Smith wrote:

That is an option, yes. But you’re not going to get quite the same level of 
convenience doing things that way. I am also given to understand, and I haven’t 
checked this, that you need to use BrailleBack with the Polaris to control and 
interface with a phone. With the Touch, that level of connectivity is in-built 
to KeySoft.



On 25 Jun 2017, at 17:30, Dane Trethowan  wrote:

And a forth choice actually, a mobile phone or tablet with a Braille display.



On 26/06/2017 12:26 AM, Gordon Smith wrote:

Yes, I totally agree about keyboard. All I was pointing out was that the 
option, and that’s the key word, “Option” doesn’t exist.

That said, I do agree that the Polaris is a very nice device and has excellent 
hardware specs. When it comes to note takers, however, we now have 3 choices. 
There’s the HumanWare one, (which I like, and use a lot), the Braille Sense 
Polaris, which I tried the other day, which I’m sure I would come to like a lot 
if I had the opportunity to use it extensively, and the ElBraille. I plan to 
buy an ElBraille for my business needs as tat would be the best all-round 
device for me. I do feel that both Hims and HumanWare kind of missed the boat a 
bit by not including an. Option for mobile communications. That is one area 
which EliTech Group has hit a winning note in my opinion.

All that said, were there an upgrade option on my Braille Sense U2, I would 
seriously consider that option.



On 24 Jun 2017, at 04:05, Debbie Yuille  wrote:

But then you would  most likely have a fold down keyboard that is noisy like 
the touch's keyboard. The Polaris' keyboard is super quiet and in my opinion, a 
lot quicker to type on than using touch braille. That is why I prefer the 
Polaris. I like that we now have choice with our notetakers, one that's 
designed for touch braille and one that is designed for people who want a quiet 
and fast braille keyboard.

Debbie

-Original Message-
From: Gordon Smith [mailto:gor...@mac-access.net]
Sent: Saturday, 24 June 2017 1:42 AM
To: Techno-Chat ... Technology Enthusiasm! 
Subject: Re: [Techno-Chat]: Braille Sense Polaris: First Impressions

That is utterly the wrong approach. The Touch, for example, gives you the 
option. You don’t have to use the touch screen at all, but it’s there if you 
want too. The device is intended for the use of the vision impaired and the 
blind and, of course, the deaf blind. Like the Hims tablet, the Touch also has 
a vibrating motor which can be configured for events. And its touch screen is 
there for all. If you’re blind, you can toggle off the video output to conserve 
battery power, but even with the video disabled, you can still type on the 
touch screen and, optionally, still use gestures.

So I’m sorry, but I think that Hims has made a gross error of judgement there. 
Of course, it may be that the Samsung hardware on which the device is based did 
not easily lend itself to a touch screen. I think it’s a dreadful shame though, 
as with the inclusion of a touch screen it would have been a truly spectacular 
device.

Now, it is true that one can perform some touch gestures on the Braille display 
itself. So that may go some way to addressing the issue. I haven’t had the 
opportunity to try that aspect yet. But I’m sure I shall, and soon. But having 
played with the divide, in terms of its interface It comes a poor second in my 
opinion. In terms of specifications, it comes out the clear winner.

I need it to be understood that I am totally unprejudiced with these comments. 
I am not, as some people have accused me of being recently, a HumanWare man 
through and through. I’m just trying to be objective.


On 23 Jun 2017, at 10:37, Dane Trethowan  wrote:

I think the absence of a touch screen on a device may very well be a blessing 
for Hims Inc as not everyone is interested in a touch screen.

3GB of RAM is more than enough, though some of the newer Android devices have 
4GB - and some 6GB - 3 is still ample, my absolute minimum would be 1GB, the 
Neo Set Top Box I use has 2Gb and it speeds along most of the time but with 1GB 
you do notice things slowing down, another device I have - can't remember its 
name, its an Android Desktop computer - only has 1GB.

Obviously I've not seen one of these machines but I can tell you that I like 
stereo speakers on a device, they make the world of difference even when 
listening to spoken word.

Does the machine have any Bluetooth capabilities? It would be nice if