Hi list, Thanks Eric... Sorry for the tone of the text below... Just one question: How can a product grow even when the very way of shedding light is not there? What is the original reason why the Sense Nav is here? How can we, the users, tell Braille Sense what must be done? If there was a way to bring out the sense firmware itself, there must be a way of expanding it. The question is, how? By translating it, or adding things? Just because assuming there are non-programmers on the user base does not mean a way of fulfilling people's wishes would come forth... Remember: there are programmers here on this list (who use other products) who keeps an eye for an opportunity to fulfill your wishes - by writing external programs. Sorry for the tone of this message... >From now on, I'll not comment on this anymore (sorry for bringing out yet another debate...) -----Original Message----- From: erik burggraaf [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Monday, March 01, 2010 3:43 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: [GWN] Thumbs Up
I disagree. Do you not benefit from the scripts users design for your screen reader? Would you rather not have the scripting option in there just because you don't know how to write them? Right now, if some one wants a facebook mobile program for the sense, they have to sit around and wait in the hopes that HIMS will design one. Same with enhanced clock and calendar functions, email support, skype support, 3g internet support, and on and on. With an SDK, some one could port top OCR to the braille and voice sence, allowing us to read documents with a digital camera. I can't believe you wouldn't benefit from user supported innovations on the braille sense. For me it would be a top selling point, especially once third party applications became widely developped and used. Best, erik burggraaf A+ certified technician and user support consultant. Phone: 888-255-5194 Email: [email protected] On 2010-02-28, at 3:15 PM, Joe Giovanelli wrote: > Hi, Joseph, > > > I did understand how, in the right hands, software other than that already included in the Sense products suite, could be great. Most users are not programmers. For us, therefore, this SDK would not make a significant difference between purchasing or not purchasing a Sense device. > > > Joe G. > > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Joseph Lee" <[email protected]> > To: <[email protected]> > Date: Sunday, Feb 28, 2010 0:58:02 > Subject: RE: [GWN] Thumbs Up > >> >> >> Hi Joe, >> An SDK (Software Development Kit) is a set of tools and programs to allow >> programmers to write programs for a computer operating system or a computer >> architecture. This usually consists of a wordprocessor-type editor that >> developers use to write their code, a compiler to translate it into machine >> code, a debugger to test the software and other documentation and tools. For >> instance, a popular SDK for windows operating system is Visual Studio, which >> allows programmers and would-be developers such as myself (I'm a computer >> science student) to write useful programs for Windows. >> The SDK that I've been mentioning is so-called HIMS Contents Development Kit >> (COULDK) which is used to write external programs for Braille Sense family. >> This allows programmers who are using Visual Studio in conjunction with HIMS >> SDK to write programs for the BSP. At the moment the only "real" >> implementation is a bible reference software written by a pastor in Korea. >> As of now this version is in Korean at the moment; last summer we had some >> guys post about possibilities of translating, or porting this Korean COULDK to >> English Braille Sense family (including myself, some programmers who are on >> this list and others). >> Hope it was simple for you. >> Cheers, >> Joseph >> >> -----Original Message----- >> From: Joe Giovanelli [mailto:[email protected]] >> Sent: Saturday, February 27, 2010 7:13 PM >> To: [email protected] >> Subject: RE: [GWN] Thumbs Up >> >> Hi, Joseph, >> >> What is SDK? You've mEntioned it in other posts. >> >> Joe G. >> >> >> ----- Original Message ----- >> From: "Joseph Lee" <[email protected]> >> To: <[email protected]> >> Date: Saturday, Feb 27, 2010 11:45:00 >> Subject: RE: [GWN] Thumbs Up >> >>> >>> >>> Hi Joe and list, >>> Thanks for this detailed info here. >>> This is more towards Eric: I still keep an eye on HIMS (in Korean) about >>> future upgrades to Braille Sense family. So far, HIMS has been working on >>> bug fixes (the 5.3 firmware is mostly bug fixes; so is 1.4 for Voice >> Sense). >>> I'll continue to advocate for an English sDK (until HIMS listens to its >>> potentials). >>> As far as Apex having three USB ports, HW notes that it was mostly for USB >>> modem users (external modem). >>> In terms of internals (for OS; this is only theories), the Apex and BSP >> are >>> equal in shape; if HIMS is planning on upgrading the OS, I personally >> would >>> like to recommend Windows CE 6.0 to bring "true multitasking" mostly >>> because BSP only allows seven programs at once, which comes in because the >>> OS kernel itself (at the moment BSP runs under CE5.0) does not allow more >>> than 32 processes. If CE6 is adopted (I can see it coming in the future), >>> then BSP would have tru multitasking capabilities running ALL programs >>> without hinderence (subject to RAM/RAM Disk amount and processing power). >>> For HW, the "light at the end of the tunnel" would be the development kit >>> under KeySoft. Time will tell "who will score the highest skating scores" >> - >>> opening up KeySoft or translation of HIMS SDK. >>> The things that I would like to see for both GW Micro/HIMS and for HW >> would >>> be: >>> For HIMS: >>> * Consideration of upgrading the OS. >>> * Translation of Korean Contents SDK to English (the Contents are >> developed >>> using Visual Studio 2008 using HIMS's own sDK). >>> * (Personal): Better translation of user interface and user guide (for me, >> I >>> notice that some aspects of UI and user guide were not translated "right", >>> but it could be my own feelings). >>> * A way to have better control and more options/(hacks) to things such as >>> system sound modifications and so on. >>> For HW: >>> * General availability of the SDK for KeySoft (HW has the foundation for >> it >>> under the Apex; the question now is, "will they even release the SDK to >> the >>> general public", and if so, when and how). >>> What does the "Korean" market say: >>> There is a general consensus that BSP is the winner (known as Hansone LX >> (or >>> Laptop Expert)). The minor issues that are reported, according to HIMS >>> bulletin, is some power management problems (apparently with the battery), >>> translation and schedule manager problem with the latest firmware. Also, >>> there are worries that the Korean version of the BrailleNote would not see >>> updates (the latest version there is 7.27). >>> That's all I have at the moment. Sorry if this post was too hard to >>> understand... (maybe I should drink coffee before writing th...) >>> Cheers, >>> Joseph S. Lee >>> University of California, Riverside >>> "It is better to look at a product's potential than its looks." JL >>> >>> >>> -----Original Message----- >>> From: Joe Orozco [mailto:[email protected]] >>> Sent: Saturday, February 27, 2010 8:13 AM >>> To: [email protected] >>> Subject: RE: [GWN] Thumbs Up >>> >>> Hi Erik, >>> >>> I've spent time with the Apex, Pac Mate and BSP. I hope to write >> something >>> more complete later, but in the way of quick answers, let me offer the >>> following to your questions: >>> >>> 1. The Apex is flatter and sleeker. I sometimes like to leave my >> briefcase >>> home and hang the machine from my shoulder inside my suit jacket. The >> Apex >>> fits nicely. It feels like a solid build despite its smaller size. In >>> terms of form factor, the Apex is superior. The drawbacks is that because >>> of the smaller size of the thumb keys, it is slightly more difficult to >> use >>> them if holding the machine on your lap. Also, despite the quieter >>> temperament of the keyboard, the Apex keys are still louder than I would >>> like. I tested the unit in a quiet lecture atmosphere, and I am not >>> convinced that the keys sound like a laptop the way it has been >> advertised. >>> The BSP beats the Apex keyboard 10 to 1. Unfortunately, not as important, >>> but the Apex case is superior. The magnetic lid is a dream compared to >> the >>> racket of opening the BSP. >>> >>> 2. Ease of use will depend on the user. The Apex continues to use >> Keysoft, >>> and although the proprietary program is a nice, straightforward system, I >>> rather prefer the Windows environment of the BSP. I enjoy the actual >>> multitasking of the BSP. I like context menus. I like dedicated media >>> keys. In fact, the Media Player on the BSP is far superior to the Apex. >> I >>> like that in the Word processor one can drop a top marker, proceed to the >>> end of the selection block and copy, cut or delete without moving through >> a >>> menu as is the case with the Apex. The BSP has the same context help, >> which >>> I originally felt was a great selling point of the Keysoft system. BSP >>> offers the same Space + H for easy help. I like that creating and >>> manipulating files and folders all happens from within the File Manager as >>> opposed to being divided between Word Processor and Folder Manager as is >>> true with the Apex. Also, a huge selling point of the BSP, the Apex >>> required that I change my home router from Mixed Mode to just G. The BSP >>> connected right away with no fuss on Mixed Mode. In fact, setting up the >>> Internet in general was far simpler on the BSP than the Apex. >>> >>> 3. The Braille display is a draw for me. If I had to absolutely pick one >>> over the other, I would say that the quality is better on the Apex, but >> the >>> routing keys are better on the BSP. Yet, both give a crisp experience. >>> Neither will disappoint. Also, the Apex allows you to adjust the >> intensity >>> of the Braille display. I am not sure if this is possible on the BSP. >>> >>> 4. The battery life is better on the BSP. I did not chart the number of >>> hours per unit, which makes this unscientific, but on a full charge the >> Apex >>> dropped from 100 percent to 50 percent in a day and a half. I've had the >>> BSP going for the same period at only a 30 percent reduction. >>> >>> I think this answers your questions. As I said, I'll try to get around >>> doing something more comprehensive as time allows, but remember this: I >> make >>> references to the Apex, but it's not actually the Apex itself that is to >>> blame as much as Keysoft. The Apex is physically an elegant machine. Why >>> one would actually need 3 USB ports is beyond me. I don't even use that >>> many on my laptop, but it is Keysoft that weakens the unit. I prefer the >>> familiarity of Windows, but all of this having been laid out, I think this >>> is a rare case of win/win. Customers on both sides will be pleased. The >>> Pac Mate Omni maintains the lead in terms of software, but this is owed to >>> Freedom Scientific using the Windows Mobile system. Physically, both the >>> QWERTY and BT versions are too darn big for either version to really be >>> called a notetaker. >>> >>> Ultimately, I am choosing the BSP because: >>> >>> 1. Quieter keyboard >>> >>> 2. Easy menu structure >>> >>> 3. Multitasking >>> >>> 4. Great Internet experience and navigation >>> >>> 5. Ability to use BSP as a mobile disk and making ActiveSync optional >> rather >>> than mandatory >>> >>> Negatives of the BSP: >>> >>> 1. Leather case >>> >>> 2. Slight delay in completing saving, deletion and similar commands >>> >>> 3. Limited formatting features on the Word Processor >>> >>> Joe Orozco >>> >>> "Hard work spotlights the character of people: some turn up their sleeves, >>> some turn up their noses, and some don't turn up at all40-comSam Ewing >>> >>> -----Original Message----- >>> From: erik burggraaf [mailto:[email protected]] >>> Sent: Saturday, February 27, 2010 10:05 AM >>> To: [email protected] >>> Subject: Re: [GWN] Thumbs Up >>> >>> Hi Jo, Did you compare the braille note apex? It's the only >>> one with comperable hardware right now, and it has better >>> coverage up here because of the funding. I like the bsp >>> personally, but wondered if you had any comparisons to draw, >>> especially in terms of how the two feel in the hand, any key >>> differences in ease of use or general system software layout, >>> the readability of the displays, the battery life, and so on. >>> >>> I may do my own if I can get hands on an apex, but this kind of >>> info is always helpful to me as a training consultant, so would >>> appreciate your views. >>> >>> Best, >>> >>> erik burggraaf >>> A+ certified technician and user support consultant. >>> Phone: 888-255-5194 >>> Email: [email protected] >>> >>> On 2010-02-26, at 10:36 PM, Joe Orozco wrote: >>> >>>> Hello all, >>>> >>>> I'll write a more complete review later, but a local dealer >>> let me borrow >>>> the BSP, and after having spent time with all three leading Braille >>>> notetakers, the BSP is the killer one for me. The software >>> is a little >>>> limited compared to some of the others, but I'm going to put >>> my bet on HIMS >>>> to make things happen. I hope there's an update by CSUN, so >>> that I make an >>>> investment knowing full well the extent of the latest updates around. >>>> Anyway, if you're also in the position of debating between >>> what notetaker to >>>> purchase, I've spent nine months doing research, talking to people and >>>> getting my hands on the machines, putting them through a variety of >>>> scenarios. Go with the BSP all the way. You won't be disappointed. >>>> >>>> Joe Orozco >>>> >>>> "Hard work spotlights the character of people: some turn up >>> their sleeves, >>>> some turn up their noses, and some don't turn up at all40-comSam Ewing >>>> >>>> >>>> __________ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of >>> virus signature >>>> database 4899 (20100226) __________ >>>> >>>> The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus. >>>> >>>> http://www.eset.com >>>> >>>> >>>> If you wish to unsubscribe from this list, visit: >>>> >>>> http://www.gwmicro.com/listserv >>>> >>> >>> If you wish to unsubscribe from this list, visit: >>> >>> http://www.gwmicro.com/listserv >>> >>> >>> __________ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of >>> virus signature database 4899 (20100226) __________ >>> >>> The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus. >>> >>> http://www.eset.com >>> >>> >>> >>> __________ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus >> signature >>> database 4900 (20100227) __________ >>> >>> The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus. >>> >>> http://www.eset.com >>> >>> >>> If you wish to unsubscribe from this list, visit: >>> >>> http://www.gwmicro.com/listserv >>> >>> No virus found in this incoming message. >>> Checked by AVG www.avg.com >>> Version: 8.5.435 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/2712 Release Date: 02/26/10 >>> 19:39:00 >>> >>> If you wish to unsubscribe from this list, visit: >>> >>> http://www.gwmicro.com/listserv >> >> If you wish to unsubscribe from this list, visit: >> >> http://www.gwmicro.com/listserv >> >> No virus found in this incoming message. >> Checked by AVG ~ www.avg.com >> Version: 8.5.435 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/2712 ~ Release Date: 02/27/10 >> 19:34:00 >> >> If you wish to unsubscribe from this list, visit: >> >> http://www.gwmicro.com/listserv > > If you wish to unsubscribe from this list, visit: > > http://www.gwmicro.com/listserv > If you wish to unsubscribe from this list, visit: http://www.gwmicro.com/listserv No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.435 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/2714 - Release Date: 02/28/10 19:34:00 If you wish to unsubscribe from this list, visit: http://www.gwmicro.com/listserv
