Hi mary. There were some significant issues with version 1.3 related to bluetooth connectivity, but I have not tested 1.31 yet, which apparently resolves most of these issues. I know they have beta testers, I'm kind of surprised 1.3 hit at all with such issues. Anyway, I'll report back once I have had time to put the new firmware release through its paces.
Scott On 8/24/15, Mary Otten <[email protected]> wrote: > Hi Scott, > I am under the impression that the latest release of firmware for the Verio > cleared up some of the issues that it had been having. What do you find > frustrating with the current release as compared with other displays? > Mary > > Sent from my iPhone > >> On Aug 24, 2015, at 8:25 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. > -- 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.
