I am a long-time user as well (since 2002 and the first-generation classic). This announcement from HIMS, though, brings a couple of huge features to the Sense products that we, bn users, have been asking for for years, namely an SDK and PDF support (not to mention our more recent requests of voice chatting and file sharing). My only point in writing my original post is to point out that the Sense, while lagging behind in the CE department, has managed to do with its older software what hw has not yet even hinted at on its newer software. The SDK, which is, by the way, free from HIMS, could very well seal the deal if developers take advantage of it.
On 3/15/11, Rhonda Cruz <[email protected]> wrote: > ok. i don't understand the big fuss.... > i'm a braille note user.... i've been useing it since 2004.....i'm > happy.with the braille note family...... i won't change... i'm used to > the braille note! i'm happy with the way. it fits my needs..... > > On 3/15/11, Sabahattin Gucukoglu <[email protected]> wrote: >> 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 >> >> > > ___ > 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 > > -- Have a great day, Alex (msg sent from GMail website) [email protected]; http://www.facebook.com/mehgcap ___ 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
