On 15 Mar 2011, at 01:14, Alex Hall wrote: > I just listened to the announcement by HIMS of the new features for their > Sense notetakers (firmware version 6, due out in a few weeks). Here is why I > think that, unless hw does some major catch-up very quickly, the bn will not > last as a viable notetaker: > 1. The Sense will now support both Google Talk and MSN. In addition, Google > Talk can be used not just for text, but for sharing files and voice chatting. > 2. The wordprocessor can be used to open unprotected PDF files, which can be > read and/or saved as text files for editing later. > 3. There are now several games on the Sense. While they are geared toward > younger students, I can see them as a platform for more games in the future, > games that do not rely on typing full commands and reading lengthy > descriptions like the z-code games do. > 4. Here is the proverbial final nail: those interested may contact HIMS > about the SDK for the Sense products. That's right, you heard me: want to > write programs for the Sense notetakers? Contact HIMS. No, I have no idea if > it costs money, what you get, or anything, but the point is that it can be > done. > > Due to the above, I am really having trouble finding reasons for the Apex to > remain, well, the Apex of the braille notetaking world.
I concur with the general sentiment that the Apex isn't, but as long as we have QT input, excellent braille translation (including UK where I am), great hardware, terrific user interface and company loyalty (whether or not created by strong upgrade penalties in the wallet), we are ultimately at HumanWare's mercy, and they know it. I should know better than to have stuck with them all these years, hoping that one or other of hardware upgrades or bugfix releases would put right all that was wrong, but that's how it stands, and HumanWare isn't exactly close to bankruptcy. Nor, I think, will they ever be - large contracts, students, schools are held spellbound, unawares. To the specifics of the feature list, I'll gladly take PDF support and Google Talk's voicechat features, which I already have on my PacMate through OctroTalk. Still, I do use KeyChat and I'm a strong Interactive Fiction fan (although there's quite a bit not to like about the Games application, it is at least usable in the general case). Remember also, the Z-machine is used mostly for Interactive Fiction, but there's nothing to stop you from building any kind of text-based game with it; there's even a basic interpreter written for it. And, yes, an SDK is absolutely essential, and if Hims wins, well, perhaps HW will have to look out for the vanishing trail as many users migrate specifically for features developed by third parties. But not just yet. Cheers, Sabahattin ___ Replies to this message will go directly to the sender. If your reply would be useful to the list, please send a copy to the list as well. To leave the BrailleNote list, send a blank message to [email protected] To view the list archives or change your preferences, visit http://list.humanware.com/mailman/listinfo/braillenote
