Hi folks, Quite an interesting array of pieces here and there about the role of a notetaker. To summarize what we've discussed, as well as to present my opinions on things, I decided to write this piece:
This week alone, we saw two news that could motivate HumanWare staff: demonstration of Orion braille tablet from Levelstar and that HIMS now has an SDK (Software Development Kit) for their products (upon request for free). As I was participating in the demo of Orion, I thought of Freedom Scientific and their product, and that I became concerned that Orion (running on top of Android OS) could become the next PAC Mate - virtue of obsolescence due to changing landscape with Android. The size suggests that it's a firm competetor to BrailleNote PK, but the functionality rivals and exceeds that of Apex. Coupled with the fact that one can run mainstream Android applications means that the line between blindness and sighted PDA's has now become (well, almost) blurred. Here, I use the word "blur" in two senses: functionality and specifications. Functionality, since the possibility of third-party applications means that any mainstream developer with the knowledge of braille and how these blindness PDA's work could produce a decent application for the whole community. For instance, the success of PAC Mate (until 2009) has been usage of programming tools that allow third-party development to occur, thereby benefiting both the blind and sighted since PM runs a version of Windows Mobile designed for Pocket PC's. Despite "outdated" hardware, the endless extensions from mainstream developers is still considered the biggest advantage of PAC Mate - and Orion, as these two can run programs designed for smartphones. Almost same analogy can be applied to other devices such as BrailleNote: when programmers and other "techies" think of functionality, they usually mean software side of things; after all, BrailleNote, Braille Sense and even Orion are just specialized PdA's with mainstream OS underneath customized interface or a suite of applications, with the keyboard and the braille display replacing a traditional touchscreen interface, hence almost the same functionality as modern smartphones (although sort of lacking in some ways and using a different input/output mechanisms). This also brings the second usage of the word "blur" - specifications. When you examine a blindness PdA's hardware and software specs, you'll notice that it has almost the same specs as smartphones of today (more towards last year's specs). For instance, the processor speed of modern tablets is between 500 Mhz and 1.2 GHz. The latest models of PDA's from AT companies boasts around 533 MHz of processor speed which, although quite slow in today's standards, is quite decent for a PDA like this, hence blurring the distinction between mainstream and blindness PdA's in a way. However, as any computer system professional would tell you, computers are not only made of silicon and metal chips - they are also powered by sophisticated rules and commands that humans write in the form of programs, or set of instructions. Thus, judging a notetaker as "good" or "bad" just because of hardware specs will not give you a complete picture of what's going around the computer industry, particularly AT industry. For instance, even though HW products might not have built-in compass, it has a number of nifty features which, if used properly by a skilled user, brings a lot of software potential, such as programs written by Marvin and Alex that runs on web browser. Or consider all the discussion on file management hacks we had several months ago - how could a user change registry keys on a device that is considered "obsolete" by some, or write the next audio game on a braille keyboard which has reputation for being loud? This is all through software functionality and creative human mind, which is the overall objective of using an SDK such as the one provided by competetors. In conclusion, I'd like to wrap up my opinions regarding recent threads by saying, "whatever is under the surface is better than what it seems from the surface of the water." In other words, just because a product does not give you the functionality you need cannot be a judging point for labeling things as good or bad. There might be workarounds, unchartered frontiers and other useful info that'll allow you to achieve what you need to do - after all, BrailleNote, Braille Sense, etc. are just PdA's using alternative input and output systems to do almost the same things that our sighted peers do on their smartphones. As for notetaking devices being fazed out, I have to say that, unfortunately, it is the case - the trend is more and more wireless accessories, including wireless braille displays. The last "chance" we have on using our notetakers to its full potential will come in the form of development tools so that those who have talent could give back to the user community, especially those who need mainstream type apps that'll run on their prefered systems. As for "the holy grail of braille display" i.e. 2D paper-sized, touchscreen-based braille display, there are reports of research being done regarding this area - and if the current mobile technology implements tactile feedback, then we can see the indirect end of notetakers as we know it - how many people would want a tablet that has braille-like feedback that allows them to do anything they want through mainstream apps? Until then, I believe the most viable solution for notetakers is introduction of programming tools and, for those who really need it and can afford it, a PDA-like device like iPod Touch with a cheap wireless braille display. I do know there will be opposition, stating the fact that some prefer all-in-one device with braille functionality; I certaintly understand that camp, thus my word on using that all-in-one device to do anything you want through help from useful programs written by users - after all, it's really up to a user's preference. The second picture I'd like to present is some misconceptions regarding notetaker devices. Some say that, since it's a braille input and output device with special functions, it is not a computer. I'll stress one more time that, notetakers are, in fact, computers - a specialized PDA with alternative means of input and output. One defining characteristic of modern computers is extendability through software; and certaintly, notetaking devices can run software and can be extended through programs written for them. Second, there are (and were and will) messages that say that one can replace the current system software of one device with another's software. I'm sorry to inform you that it is almost impossible to do that. Certaintly a way to do that exists, but it requires considerable human effort and talent that it is not possible to do that easily (as in overnight). I'll reserve this particular discussion in a future post (mostly because, like some of us, I'm a student, thus need to read more on it, and it is hard and complex). That's all I want to say right now. If you have any comments (clarifications, misunderstandings, mistakes, etc.), feel free to post to the list. Cheers, One of the Bn Experts. ___ 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
