Hi Scott, I would be interested to know what version of the firmware you are using, as we have had an update recently that his fixed a number of issues. Please let me know. Thanks Amy Ruell Baum USA
Sent from my iPhone > On Aug 24, 2015, at 11:25 AM, Scott Davert <[email protected]> wrote: > > Hi all. > I've had a Smart Beetle for the program I run for the past few weeks, > and it's a bit like the VarioUltra in the sense that it still needs > some work. Though with the current release of the VarioUltra firmware, > there is more frustration in using a VU as opposed to the Beetle for > me. > The only things I have found to cut back on lag have nothing to do > with the Smart Beetle specifically, but some VoiceOver settings that > you can change. I wrote a guide you can find at: > http://applevis.com/guides/accessories-bluetooth-braille-ios-ipad-iphone-ipod-touch-voiceover/3-ways-possibly-speed-your > > Scott > > On 8/22/15, '[email protected]' via VIPhone > <[email protected]> wrote: >> Haven't really tried 8-dot much but there's certainly a similar lag between >> >> transfer from the display's clipboard and the phone. >> >> Carol P >> >> ----- Original Message ----- >> From: "Flor Lynch" <[email protected]> >> To: <[email protected]> >> Sent: Saturday, August 22, 2015 2:00 AM >> Subject: Re: Smart Beetle 14 cells refreshable Braille display >> >> >> How does this issue fare - if it pertains - in eight-dot, or Computer, >> Braille? Does one still see the same time lag transferring between the >> display's clipboard, and the phone? >> >> -----Original Message----- >> From: Andrew Lamanche >> Sent: Saturday, August 15, 2015 9:36 PM >> To: VIPhone >> Subject: Re: Smart Beetle 14 cells refreshable Braille display >> >> Hi Carol, >> >> I've written to one of the tech people at HIMS to let them know about the >> lag in writing and correcting text using Smart Beetle. I am not sure - nor >> do I hold my breath - whether they will take note of the problem. But I >> thought I'd let them know anyway because that's quite a point against >> buying >> their product which otherwise is very attractive. >> >> I will write to accessibility at Apple as I always do when I encounter the >> problem. I haven't done so so far because I wasn't sure whose patch it is. >> it's getting rather confusing who is responsible for what. >> >> Please keep my e-mail in your contacts and let me know what you've found >> out. And maybe if you wish, please send me your e-mail address for my >> records privately. I will keep in touch with respect to Smart Beetle. >> >> Best wishes >> >> Andrew >>> On 15 Aug 2015, at 20:05, '[email protected]' via VIPhone >>> <[email protected]> wrote: >>> >>> Hi Andrew, >>> >>> Thanks so much for doing the test for me. >>> >>> I wasn't surprised by your results because we have Braille Sense machines >>> >>> here and had experienced this lag. There are two reasons why I wanted to >>> >>> add the Smart Beetle, partily because it's that much smaller for taking >>> around and, secondly, because I was hoping the lag would have been solved >>> >>> by the introduction of the Beetle. >>> >>> However, all is not yet lost because I think there probably will soon be a >>> >>> new driver and, well, I'm just holding on and hoping that this will solve >>> >>> at least a good part of the lagging. I have mentioned this to the >>> Accessability Team at >>> >>> [email protected] >>> >>> and I'd really advise you to do the same just as soon as you can. >>> >>> I'm also going to double check with HIMS that Apple are supposed to do the >>> >>> driver and not HIMS themselves. >>> >>> If you're not a very fast Braillist then all may well not be lost for you, >>> >>> especially if you're prepared to make that cuppa whilst you wait for the >>> translation. I feel fairly sure that the problem is the same whether >>> you're copying from the clipboard or writing in "real time", and it's a >>> lag in translation, I think. However, I'm not the expert, so we'll just >>> go on telling them all what we know and what's important to us. <Smiles> >>> >>> I will write to the Accessability Team again myself to highlight this >>> issue, in view of the recent introduction of Smart Beetle and what I've >>> gleaned so far, so then they can't be saying they didn't know all about >>> it. . . .. >>> >>> By the way, if we're rather pushing this on list and it's preferred we >>> take it off list then please, George or someone, tell us that this is the >>> >>> case. >>> >>> I know Jackie is interested, but would hate to bore everyone to death. >>> Anyway, folks, please feel free to use that delete key! <Smiles> >>> >>> Please keep in touch with me with any developments, Andrew, and I'll do >>> the same. >>> >>> Cheers and thanks for your input on this. >>> >>> Carol P >>> >>> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Andrew Lamanche" <[email protected]> >>> To: "VIPhone" <[email protected]> >>> Sent: Saturday, August 15, 2015 6:15 PM >>> Subject: Re: Smart Beetle 14 cells refreshable Braille display >>> >>> >>> Dear Carol, >>> >>> I’m afraid I’ve got bad news. I’ve done the test as you’ve asked me to >>> and there is quite a considerable lag in both instances: using the text >>> input straight into the edit field and using the clipboard method. This >>> is disappointing. I’m not the fastest Braille writer and yet the lag was >>> >>> definitely there even though the text was quite short. also, I found >>> editing a document quite a laborious task again because of the lag. It >>> took sometimes a few seconds for the cursor to route to the right letter >>> and when inserting a letter or letters again it took a few seconds for the >>> >>> text to appear on the display. Very disappointed. >>> >>> One more thing I want to try is pairing the Smart Beetle with my iPhone as >>> >>> a bluetooth keyboard and inputing the text from that mode to see whether >>> it is the Braille mode that slows it down. Apparently it is possible to >>> use combo mode with smart beetle, i.e. pairing it both as a Braille >>> display and as a bluetooth keyboard and then changing how you use it using >>> >>> a shortcut key. I will have to read some more about it. In a way, I’m >>> anxious now that I made a wrong choice and yet I would have struggled to >>> raise more finances for a more expensive product. Maybe not all is lost >>> and maybe, just maybe, HIMS will improve their software, and maybe once >>> Apple incorporates Smart Beetle driver into its OS it will speed things >>> up. >>> >>> Sorry I have no better news. >>> >>> Andrew >>>> On 14 Aug 2015, at 22:58, '[email protected]' via VIPhone >>>> <[email protected]> wrote: >>>> >>>> Hi Andrew, >>>> >>>> Hmm! Wish S&S had their act together before my demo. I'd thought, >>>> maybe, the use of the Braille Sense, in the manual was perhaps an >>>> oversight in not correcting stuff ... as this happens ... but it wasn't, >>>> >>>> I gather. >>>> >>>> The other reason that would make me really want this unit is if you could >>>> >>>> answer "Yes" definitely to one further point. >>>> >>>> You may not have done this, but you can use the clipboard setting to >>>> temporarily disable the keyboard so that you can write something in your >>>> >>>> own clipboard, so to speak. In this case, you write quite a bit of text, >>>> >>>> say, 300 words, then try sending to your iPhone. >>>> >>>> You get into the clipboard with backspace+enter+C and then send by >>>> pressing "Enter". >>>> >>>> In previous Sense products, I've found this to be too slow for me and >>>> even unreliable, possibly running out of memory ... >>>> >>>> I'd love to be able to use this feature, but quickly and not feel I >>>> wanted to drink a cuppa whilst waiting. I found it translated the text >>>> only as quickly as it did ifyou were brailling directly and were having >>>> to wait for it to be translated into the phone, and that wasn't what I >>>> wanted! >>>> >>>> Can you try this out, please, and let me know what you think. >>>> >>>> Thanks. >>>> >>>> Thanks also for the instructions you gave below, which I'll keep for >>>> further reference. >>>> >>>> Carol P >>>> >>>> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Andrew Lamanche" <[email protected]> >>>> To: "VIPhone" <[email protected]> >>>> Sent: Friday, August 14, 2015 6:15 PM >>>> Subject: Re: Smart Beetle 14 cells refreshable Braille display >>>> >>>> >>>> Hi Carol, >>>> >>>> Yes, at present you have to pair Smart Beetle as BrailleSense because >>>> Apple has not as yet incorporated the Smart Beetle driver into its >>>> operating systems. However, HIMS provide instructions on how to make >>>> Smart Beetle appear as BrailleSense. Once i took the initial steps to >>>> accomplish this on Smart Beetle itself, the pairing went smoothly. >>>> >>>> Below I'm pasting the instructions as I received them from HIMS. They >>>> are also included with the product on a separate Braille sheet. >>>> "Smart Beetle with Apple products. >>>> Note, the below refers to using Smart Beetle with products running >>>> Apple's iOS, including iPhone, iPad, and iPod as well as mac computers. >>>> At the time of this writing, Apple has not implemented a Smart Beetle >>>> specific driver into iOS or the Mac OS. Thus, it has become necessary for >>>> >>>> us to do a work around in order that you may use your Smart Beetle with >>>> i-devices and Mac computers. >>>> In short, this work-around allows the Smart Beetle to emulate a Braille >>>> Sense notetaker, which is supported in Apple's operating systems. You can >>>> >>>> turn this emulation on and off simply by changing the Bluetooth name for >>>> >>>> the Bluetooth Serial port on the Smart Beetle. >>>> note: this work-around requires you to use the Smart Beetle via Bluetooth >>>> >>>> when using a Mac computer. >>>> >>>> To change the Bluetooth name, please do the following: >>>> 1) Press Power-F1, choose BRL and press "Enter". The unit displays >>>> "pairing BRL". >>>> 2) Press the Power button to open the menu, and Press the shortcut "I" to >>>> >>>> open "Information". >>>> 3) From the "Information" list, press (F2-F3-Dot1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8). >>>> 4) Return to "Information", and confirm the BRL Bluetooth name. >>>> Each time you follow these steps, the Bluetooth name is toggled between >>>> "SmartBeetle" and "BrailleSense", thus, you can use Smart Beetle in it's >>>> >>>> normal configuration for other screen readers. In addition, when Apple >>>> introduces Smart gheetle support, you will be able to change the >>>> Bluetooth name back to Smart Beetle and use it properly from that time." >>>> >>>> I was nervous at first but I had downloaded the user guide for Smart >>>> Beetle from HIMS website and since the description of the unit was very >>>> good, I was able to learn a lot about it before I actually put my hands >>>> on it. >>>> >>>> Good luck and ask anything if you wish and I will do my best to answer. >>>> >>>> Andrew >>>>> On 14 Aug 2015, at 15:40, '[email protected]' via VIPhone >>>>> <[email protected]> wrote: >>>>> >>>>> Andrew, >>>>> >>>>> How did you manage to pair it and which of the keyboard settings are you >>>>> >>>>> using? >>>>> >>>>> I saw one, as demo, but we couldn't pair it at the time and it seemed to >>>>> >>>>> be because you had to pair it as Braille Sense, or something. >>>>> >>>>> Please tell me what you did etc? I did like the look and feel of it >>>>> very much and wanted one but ... >>>>> >>>>> Carol P >>>>> >>>>> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Andrew Lamanche" <[email protected]> >>>>> To: "VIPhone" <[email protected]> >>>>> Cc: <[email protected]> >>>>> Sent: Thursday, August 13, 2015 6:47 PM >>>>> Subject: Smart Beetle 14 cells refreshable Braille display >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> Listers, >>>>> >>>>> It's arrived: my new tiny, 14 cell refreshable Braille display produced >>>>> >>>>> by HIMS. Nervous as I was ordering it from Sight and Sound in the UK, I >>>>> >>>>> feel I'm gonna love it! it's small and the cells are nice. I've >>>>> already paired it with my iphone. And by the way, this Braille display >>>>> >>>>> can remember 5 different bluetooth devices to which one connects. It >>>>> also has a USB connection. >>>>> >>>>> I know it's going to be a steep learning curve and that I'm going to be >>>>> >>>>> asking lots of questions but I've already managed to read using Smart >>>>> Beetle from Voice Dream Reader and ibooks. The pleasure of reading >>>>> quietly is intense! I'm delighted. >>>>> >>>>> At present it seems that I have to keep my iphone or ipad unlocked in >>>>> order to use my Smart Beetle. Is this the case in your experience too? >>>>> Also, Smart Beetle can connect via bluetooth either as a Braille display >>>>> >>>>> or as a bluetooth keyboard emulator and it can also work in combo mode, >>>>> >>>>> i.e. you can have it connected as a Braille display and as a bluetooth >>>>> keyboard for more functionality. I can navigate home screens using it, >>>>> >>>>> open and close applications, read text, I've written a text message >>>>> using it, I can use the rotor. However, when in Mail, I couldn't find a >>>>> >>>>> way of deleting an email I didn't want to read and I was wondering >>>>> whether there may be an equivalent of a swiping gesture that Braille >>>>> display could imitate. I just wonder if you could share what else you >>>>> can do with your refreshable Braille displays and iPhone? >>>>> >>>>> Many thanks for any suggestions >>>>> >>>>> Andrew >>>>> >>>>> -- >>>>> The following information is important for all members of the viphone >>>>> list. All new members to the this list are moderated by default. If you >>>>> >>>>> have any questions or concerns about the running of this list, or if you >>>>> >>>>> feel that a member's post is inappropriate, please contact the owners or >>>>> >>>>> moderators directly rather than posting on the list itself. The archives >>>>> >>>>> for this list can be searched at >>>>> http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/. >>>>> --- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google >>>>> Groups "VIPhone" group. >>>>> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send >>>>> an email to [email protected]. >>>>> To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. >>>>> Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/viphone. >>>>> For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout. >>>>> >>>>> -- >>>>> The following information is important for all members of the viphone >>>>> list. All new members to the this list are moderated by default. If you >>>>> >>>>> have any questions or concerns about the running of this list, or if you >>>>> >>>>> feel that a member's post is inappropriate, please contact the owners or >>>>> >>>>> moderators directly rather than posting on the list itself. The archives >>>>> >>>>> for this list can be searched at >>>>> http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/. >>>>> --- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google >>>>> Groups "VIPhone" group. >>>>> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send >>>>> an email to [email protected]. >>>>> To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. >>>>> Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/viphone. >>>>> For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout. >>>> >>>> -- >>>> The following information is important for all members of the viphone >>>> list. All new members to the this list are moderated by default. If you >>>> have any questions or concerns about the running of this list, or if you >>>> >>>> feel that a member's post is inappropriate, please contact the owners or >>>> >>>> moderators directly rather than posting on the list itself. The archives >>>> >>>> for this list can be searched at >>>> http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/. >>>> --- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google >>>> Groups "VIPhone" group. >>>> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an >>>> >>>> email to [email protected]. >>>> To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. >>>> Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/viphone. >>>> For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout. >>>> >>>> -- >>>> The following information is important for all members of the viphone >>>> list. All new members to the this list are moderated by default. If you >>>> have any questions or concerns about the running of this list, or if you >>>> >>>> feel that a member's post is inappropriate, please contact the owners or >>>> >>>> moderators directly rather than posting on the list itself. The archives >>>> >>>> for this list can be searched at >>>> http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/. >>>> --- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google >>>> Groups "VIPhone" group. >>>> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an >>>> >>>> email to [email protected]. >>>> To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. >>>> Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/viphone. >>>> For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout. >>> >>> -- >>> The following information is important for all members of the viphone >>> list. All new members to the this list are moderated by default. If you >>> have any questions or concerns about the running of this list, or if you >>> feel that a member's post is inappropriate, please contact the owners or >>> moderators directly rather than posting on the list itself. The archives >>> for this list can be searched at >>> http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/. >>> --- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google >>> Groups "VIPhone" group. >>> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an >>> >>> email to [email protected]. >>> To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. >>> Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/viphone. >>> For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout. >>> >>> -- >>> The following information is important for all members of the viphone >>> list. All new members to the this list are moderated by default. If you >>> have any questions or concerns about the running of this list, or if you >>> feel that a member's post is inappropriate, please contact the owners or >>> moderators directly rather than posting on the list itself. The archives >>> for this list can be searched at >>> http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/. >>> --- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google >>> Groups "VIPhone" group. >>> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an >>> >>> email to [email protected]. >>> To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. >>> Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/viphone. >>> For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout. >> >> -- >> The following information is important for all members of the viphone list. >> All new members to the this list are moderated by default. If you have any >> questions or concerns about the running of this list, or if you feel that a >> member's post is inappropriate, please contact the owners or moderators >> directly rather than posting on the list itself. The archives for this list >> can be searched at http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/. >> --- >> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups >> "VIPhone" group. >> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an >> email to [email protected]. >> To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. >> Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/viphone. >> For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout. >> >> -- >> The following information is important for all members of the VIPhone list. >> >> If you have any questions or concerns about the running of this list, or if >> >> you feel that a member's post is inappropriate, please contact the owners or >> >> moderators directly rather than posting on the list itself. >> >> Your VIPhone list owner is Cara Quinn - you can reach Cara at >> [email protected] >> >> The archives for this list can be searched at >> http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/. >> --- >> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups >> "VIPhone" group. >> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an >> email to [email protected]. >> To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. >> Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/viphone. >> For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout. >> >> -- >> The following information is important for all members of the VIPhone list. >> >> If you have any questions or concerns about the running of this list, or if >> you feel that a member's post is inappropriate, please contact the owners or >> moderators directly rather than posting on the list itself. >> >> Your VIPhone list owner is Cara Quinn - you can reach Cara at >> [email protected] >> >> The archives for this list can be searched at >> http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/. >> --- >> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups >> "VIPhone" group. >> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an >> email to [email protected]. >> To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. >> Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/viphone. >> For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout. > > -- > The following information is important for all members of the VIPhone list. > > If you have any questions or concerns about the running of this list, or if > you feel that a member's post is inappropriate, please contact the owners or > moderators directly rather than posting on the list itself. > > Your VIPhone list owner is Cara Quinn - you can reach Cara at > [email protected] > > The archives for this list can be searched at > http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/. > --- > You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups > "VIPhone" group. > To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an > email to [email protected]. > To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. > Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/viphone. > For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout. -- The following information is important for all members of the VIPhone list. If you have any questions or concerns about the running of this list, or if you feel that a member's post is inappropriate, please contact the owners or moderators directly rather than posting on the list itself. Your VIPhone list owner is Cara Quinn - you can reach Cara at [email protected] The archives for this list can be searched at http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/. --- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "VIPhone" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected]. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/viphone. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
