Hi, we could have some issues though: * Forward translation of output messages to braille using appropriate grade: I think this is something that shouldn't be that difficult - perhaps using a output function, give the message as the parameter and do Unicode braille dot patterns assignment using translator and send it to the braille line. * Back translation of input: I think this is the one that could give us some headache... (Speaking of this, Alex, could you help me with NVDA and braille char input branch?) * Localization of messages: We have English and French set for KeySoft messages. Undoubtedly if an SDK does come out, people who speak different languages could ask that our programs be translatable to other languages. As for language that KS is written in: I think if devs formulate a good algorithm for doing some tasks, then I think language won't be an issue unless the SDK demands using a specific language (C family). I think transforming a Python source code to C family code wouldn't be that bad unless there are issues with pointers, memory and other deeper issues... Speaking of SDK: for others, an SDK (Software Development Kit) is a set of tools and documents which helps with writing programs for a specific platform or a system. As for what Alex from HW has mentioned, we do have necessary IDE (Integrated Development Environment); what's missing are BrailleNote specific input/output functions and documentation, which would be one of the puzzle pieces for fulfilling our dreams: contributing our own programs for the benefit of others. The other pieces would be support and interests from users, dedicated user dev community, communication between us and the company and the company's willingness about software development by users. So I'd like to cordially ask HW once again: would it be possible (in the near future) to allow individual users to write "native" applications just like what Sendero is doing now? This would not only help with the company's reputation, but would also foster a community of programmers who are dedicated to the device they've been using for the past few years and to allow them to say thanks to you by coming up with useful programs for the BN user community at large. Cheers, Joseph
-----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Alex Hall Sent: Sunday, September 09, 2012 6:29 PM To: Alex Bec Cc: [email protected] Subject: Re: [Braillenote] Since SDK is not available to create compiled computer programs... That is intriguing, and I wish I'd learned more cpp when I first emailed you years ago. It seems like, given a text file of parameters and instructions, io might not be such a problem. I think there's a standard alert box of some type that could be used for output, since keysoft often pops up ce dialogs which is seems to have not altered. Just supposition on my part, though. On 9/9/12, Alex Bec <[email protected]> wrote: > Hi Tyler, > > Good luck with that very fastidious (and essentially doomed) approach... > > > > > If you want to create programs for your BrailleNote, as of today, > you'd have it much easier by using freely available development tools > from Microsoft like Visual Studio 2005, (or eVC++ for mPower). In > first approximation, the Apex isn't too different from a generic > Pocket PC > 2003 or any of the Windows Mobile up to 6. They have a similar ARM > architecture, namely. Which means that as long as you don't need > platform specific things, or things specific to the Windows Mobile > API, most of the code compiled for a generic Pocket PC will be binary > compatible with the Apex, and able to be executed. > > > > This still leaves you with most of the Windows CE API to play with, > which is already quite substantial, although it would of course be > limited in terms of I/O and user interaction, since the Braille and > keyboard handling are platform dependant, managed by KeySoft, and > therefore out of reach, for now. > > > > But for instance, there isn't anything preventing you to implement an > alarm clock allowing you to wake up with your favourite mp3, which > would be a good practical exercise. > > > > > > Note: While I'm not exposing anything secret or anything that you > couldn't have figured out yourself, this post only represents MY OWN > view, and not the company's. > > I just thought I'd encourage your willingness to learn and play with > the machine through putting you on a better track than the one you > were on initially. > > > > > > Happy tinkering, > > Alex.B. > > > > ___ > 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] ___ 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
