Hi, the refreshabraille has the braille above the keyboard, and I personally hated it. I thought it wouldn’t matter to me, but I found it really cumbersome, but that’s just my issue maybe. You may have different results. Holly
> On Oct 20, 2018, at 12:11 PM, Traci Duncan <[email protected]> wrote: > > Wow! Thank you for that information. I had not heard of the Actolino. It > sounds very interesting, minus the audio. That part does not interest me at > all. > > I'm looking forward to reading more on Access World. > > Traci > PS. The Braille Me has the braille above the keyboard. Has anyone used a > display like this? > > > Sent from my iPhone > > On Oct 20, 2018, at 9:42 AM, Mary Otten <[email protected] > <mailto:[email protected]>> wrote: > >> The Verio ultra list is still up and running, and so far as I know, that new >> company does not have any US distributor or repair yet. >> >> >> Sent from my iPhone >> >> On Oct 20, 2018, at 9:32 AM, Rami Ahmad <[email protected] >> <mailto:[email protected]>> wrote: >> >>> for your information, varioUltra and all other baum products are now >>> maintained by another company called visiobraille. they will continue the >>> development and distribution of these products. they can be found at >>> http://visiobraille.de <http://visiobraille.de/> >>> >>> >>> >>> On Oct 20, 2018, at 7:16 PM, Richard Turner <[email protected] >>> <mailto:[email protected]>> wrote: >>> >>>> *Note: I removed the section on the Vario Ultra since that company has >>>> gone out of business. >>>> This article from Access World talks about autoscroll and I would >>>> recommend reading the other articles that preceded this one to get good >>>> information about a variety of braille displays. >>>> >>>> Keeping It Portable: Comparing Braille Displays on iOS Devices, Part III >>>> >>>> Scott Davert >>>> >>>> In Part I of this series >>>> , we took a look at four braille displays that carry out functions related >>>> to an external device. However, some people may wish to have an integrated >>>> suite >>>> of productivity applications for basic tasks such as reading books, taking >>>> notes, performing simple calculations, etc., along with that connectivity. >>>> This >>>> article will look at the internal functions of both the VarioUltra and >>>> Actilino as they relate to iOS devices. >>>> >>>> The Actilino >>>> >>>> The Actilino is a 16-cell braille display manufactured by Help Tech, >>>> formerly known as Handy Tech. Like the VarioUltra, it has a lot of >>>> functions beyond >>>> being able to connect to external devices. It is shaped like a rectangle, >>>> with a tapered edge at the front. Placing the device in front of you, with >>>> its >>>> downward-sloping edge nearest you, you will find a speaker on the front >>>> left, a Micro SD slot (used with internal functions), and a second speaker >>>> on the >>>> right front side. Starting with the keys closest to you, from left to >>>> right, you have the first of two rectangular-shaped Spacebars, a joystick, >>>> and the >>>> second Spacebar. While the joysticks on both displays are round, the >>>> VarioUltra's is almost flush with the display's surface, while the >>>> Actilino's has >>>> a higher profile, and is thinner. Behind this, you will find a depression >>>> that contains 16 cells of braille with a three-way rocker button at each >>>> end >>>> (these rocker buttons are referred to as "triple-action keys" in the >>>> manual). Each button can be pressed upward, downward, or straight down. >>>> Behind the >>>> 16 cells of braille, and level with the upper part of the rocker buttons, >>>> are 16 cursor routing buttons that are raised slightly higher than the >>>> depression >>>> that contains the cells. Behind the cursor routing buttons, and on an >>>> elevated surface, is the Perkins-style keyboard. Like the VarioUltra, >>>> these keys >>>> are configured with special attention paid to ergonomics. Unlike the >>>> VarioUltra, between Dots 1 and 4, you will find an internal microphone. On >>>> the back >>>> of the Actilino, there is a magnet, though it's not tactilely discernable >>>> unless the display is in the case. The magnet ensures the Actilino stays >>>> securely >>>> within the carrying case. >>>> >>>> On the left side of the Actilino, the port closest to you is a 3.5 mm >>>> headphone jack. The port located behind the headphone jack is used for >>>> charging, >>>> connecting to USB enabled external devices, and sending and receiving >>>> data. Along the right side, closest to you is the round Power button >>>> followed by >>>> a Type A USB port for plugging in external keyboards. The Actilino is >>>> longer, heavier, and wider than the VarioUltra, weighing in at 14 ounces, >>>> but that >>>> added weight and size translate into added functionality. >>>> >>>> Connecting to iOS >>>> >>>> For the first 15 minutes that the Actilino is powered on, Bluetooth is >>>> activated. If you have had the device on for more than 15 minutes without >>>> using >>>> Bluetooth, it switches off to conserve battery. It's not necessary to do >>>> anything else on the Actilino before going into Settings > General > >>>> Accessibility >>>>> VoiceOver > Braille on your iOS device. Find the Actilino from the list >>>>> of displays in range, and double-tap it. The iOS device will come up with >>>>> a confirmation >>>> in the form of a PIN code that should match the one displayed on the >>>> Actilino. Press Y on the Actilino, and then double-tap confirm on your iOS >>>> device. >>>> >>>> Unique Features of the Actilino >>>> >>>> Semi-Automatic Scrolling >>>> >>>> Help Tech has an entire line of displays that feature Active Tactile >>>> Control (ATC) technology, which senses when your fingers reach the end of >>>> a line of >>>> braille and automatically advances the display. While autoscrolling is >>>> certainly an option with other braille devices, none of the options on the >>>> market >>>> support this functionality with iOS. Furthermore, though other displays >>>> have autoscrolling capability, they scroll automatically based on a set >>>> duration >>>> of time, not when your fingers reach the end of the display. I've found >>>> most autoscrolling features to be more trouble than they're worth for this >>>> reason, >>>> but the ATC technology has changed that. >>>> >>>> ATC for mobile devices must be enabled separately from ATC used with the >>>> display's internal functions. To toggle this feature on, when connected to >>>> a mobile >>>> device, press Spacebar + Dots 1, 7, and 8. As of firmware version 1.6, you >>>> do not get confirmation that Mobile ATC is active until you move your >>>> fingers >>>> to the end of a line and the braille refreshes. If ATC stops working after >>>> a while, it may be necessary to re-enable it as described above. >>>> >>>> While there is a different setting for Mobile ATC, it is necessary to >>>> control its sensitivity from the ATC settings found in the Actilino's >>>> internal menu. >>>> I found that I had to set this to 7 (which is the highest number) for the >>>> most consistent results. I've been reading with a lite touch for many >>>> years, >>>> so it's possible individuals who read with more of a heavy hand may be >>>> able to lower the sensitivity. It's a solid, very unique, and wonderful >>>> feature >>>> to have on any display, but particularly a smaller one. >>>> >>>> Multiple Connections >>>> >>>> The Actilino supports up to three simultaneous Bluetooth connections >>>> simultaneously along with one USB connection. To change devices you must >>>> cycle through >>>> connected devices by pressing Spacebar with Dots 4, 5, and 8. >>>> >>>> Automatically Connecting >>>> >>>> If you are reading a book on the Actilino, and one of your connected >>>> devices wakes up, the Actilino will automatically jump back to that >>>> device. Of course, >>>> this will not happen if 15 minutes have elapsed and Bluetooth has switched >>>> off. That said, if you wish to read a book on the Actilino, you may find it >>>> useful to put your iOS device on the Do Not Disturb setting. You can exit >>>> PC mode, which is what the Actilino calls being connected to an external >>>> device, >>>> by pressing Spacebar + M. It's true that Spacebar + Mon an iOS device >>>> mutes speech, and this method still accomplishes this, but you can mute >>>> speech without >>>> exiting PC mode by adding Dot 7 to the command. >>>> >>>> Moving Text From the Actilino to an iOS Device >>>> >>>> If you have composed text in the Editor, you may wish to transfer it to >>>> your iOS device. With the Actilino, after copying the text to the >>>> keyboard, (instructions >>>> can be found in the manual on how to do this), press Spacebar + Dots 1, 5, >>>> and 7 to send it to the iOS device. Remember, you must ensure that the >>>> braille >>>> input mode on your iOS device matches that of the Actilino for the >>>> transfer to be successful. I found transferring the same two-page document >>>> used for >>>> the VarioUltra test to take about 5 minutes with the Actilino. >>>> >>>> Quiet Keyboard >>>> >>>> The Actilino's keyboard is the quietest I've ever used, and the most >>>> comfortable for me to type on. Braille keyboards are very subjective, of >>>> course, so >>>> you might have a different experience. I found the keys to have just the >>>> right amount of spacing and resistance. People with smaller hands may find >>>> that >>>> the Spacebars are too far away for them to reach, but that they enjoy the >>>> keyboard otherwise. Help Tech has addressed this by adding the option of >>>> pressing >>>> Dots 7 and 8 together to insert a space. While it took some getting used >>>> to, I find that it is a good way to accommodate this need. It also shows >>>> that, >>>> while the hardware development is complete, the software development is >>>> not, as this didn't appear to be an option in earlier firmware releases. >>>> >>>> Noisy Display >>>> >>>> By default, there are many musical tones representing different actions, >>>> alerts, and messages from the Actilino. These can be disabled individually >>>> in >>>> the internal menu, and can also be turned off completely. >>>> >>>> Audio >>>> >>>> I mentioned in the Actilino's description that there are two speakers and >>>> a microphone on board. Though you must pair your iOS device separately for >>>> the >>>> audio feature, doing so does give you an external device that is slightly >>>> louder than the iPhone 7 and earlier models. It also enables you to make >>>> phone >>>> calls, or use other audio-specific apps, from the Actilino. To enable the >>>> Bluetooth audio interface, when the Actilino is powered on, press Spacebar >>>> + >>>> Dots 2, 5, 7, and 8. The Actilino will emit a series of tones that >>>> indicate it is ready to pair with an external device. Go to Settings > >>>> Bluetooth and >>>> find a device called "POR" with numbers after that. Double tap, and the >>>> connection should be established within about two seconds. >>>> >>>> I found that the audio quality leaves a bit to be desired when piped >>>> through the Actilino's internal speakers. However, just like food and >>>> braille keyboards, >>>> the point could be made that audio quality is subjective. I found that >>>> VoiceOver sounded a bit wobbly through the internal speakers, but found it >>>> worked >>>> well when connected to speakers or headphones through the 3.5 mm jack. >>>> Interestingly, the VoiceOver lag, which is present with all Bluetooth >>>> devices, seems >>>> to be a bit less. Most importantly, I found that audio is not cut off when >>>> there is a pause and audio resumes playing. For those using an iPhone 7 or >>>> later, >>>> this feature may come in handy if you want to use a 3.5 mm plug to connect >>>> to an external sound source. I also noticed that the braille display didn't >>>> suffer any sort of lag when there were two connections to the same device. >>>> During a test FaceTime call, the person on the other end sounded very clear >>>> through external speakers, but they reported that my audio sounded a bit >>>> "crackly". >>>> >>>> Hiccups remain with the audio interface. For example, I turned the >>>> Actilino off and back on, and even though I re-enabled the audio >>>> interface, I found >>>> that the connection was no longer stable. I had to forget the Actilino's >>>> audio connection to my iPhone and then re-establish it to stabilize the >>>> connection. >>>> In defense of Help Tech, the Actilino is a relatively new device, >>>> appearing on the US market in June of 2017. This may simply be a bug that >>>> will be addressed >>>> in a future firmware release. >>>> >>>> Time Keeps On Ticking >>>> >>>> When powering on the Actilino, you will find the name of the device along >>>> with the current time. This can be easier to check than having to wait for >>>> your >>>> braille display to connect to your iPhone, so while it's a minor detail, I >>>> found it helpful. Sometimes, all I need to know is the current time, and >>>> this >>>> is easily determined on the Actilino. >>>> >>>> Triple-Action Keys >>>> >>>> The manual calls these "triple-action keys" because they can be pressed in >>>> one of three ways. On iOS, pressing them away from you pans the braille >>>> backward, >>>> pressing either one toward you pans the braille forward, pressing straight >>>> down on the left button will activate the Delete key, and pressing down on >>>> the >>>> right triple-action key will activate the Enter key. Again, it's possible >>>> to remap these functions with iOS 11. >>>> >>>> The Case >>>> >>>> The Actilino comes with a case that fits the device well. The case has a >>>> magnet inside of it that secures the Actilino. The magnet in the case came >>>> unglued >>>> in the first one I had, but the Actilino still feels secure even when I'm >>>> moving around. When opened, the case provides access to all features and >>>> functions, >>>> so you can use it on the go. >>>> >>>> Miscellaneous >>>> >>>> Battery life varies dramatically depending on how you use the Actilino. If >>>> you are always connected with both audio and braille to a Bluetooth device, >>>> your battery isn't likely to last very long compared to when the device is >>>> functioning only as a standalone notetaker. I have found that battery life, >>>> when used mainly with PC mode, is around 25 hours. Unlike the VarioUltra, >>>> the Actilino does not see a large decrease in battery life when it is >>>> unplugged >>>> and turned off. >>>> >>>> Charging is done through a proprietary plug that has a magnet on one end >>>> and a standard type A USB plug on the other. However, the connection >>>> doesn't have >>>> to be proprietary, the magnetic connector on the Actilino can be pulled >>>> off to be a Micro USB plug so that it works with all Micro USB cables. >>>> This information >>>> is not available in the manual, it was something Triomph kindly provided >>>> to me when I asked about it. It's great that Handy Tech has not only >>>> designed >>>> something that can fit on the device no matter which direction the cable >>>> is facing, but they have also given the user the option of removing the >>>> proprietary >>>> part if desired. You will need a good set of fingernails to do so (and the >>>> manufacturer does not recommend removing the proprietary plug), but I >>>> managed >>>> to remove it and the result works well for me. >>>> >>>> When comparing user documentation, I found the VarioUltra >>>> to have the most readable and complete documentation of the two devices. >>>> New features are added in the manual as they become available, and are >>>> easy to >>>> find. Even the core feature set with the >>>> Actilino's documentation >>>> lacks some commands such as the one for enabling Mobile ATC. Another >>>> example is that the audio interface is located in its own section (4.2), >>>> which is >>>> far below the section on connecting an iPhone through VoiceOver (section >>>> 2.7). >>>> >>>> Product Information >>>> >>>> Product: VarioUltra 20 >>>> Available from: Baum Retec >>>> Price: $2,395 >>>> >>>> Product: Actilino >>>> Available from: Triumph Technologies >>>> Price: $2,495 >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> -----Original Message----- >>>> From: [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> >>>> <[email protected] <mailto:[email protected]>> On Behalf Of >>>> Traci Duncan >>>> Sent: Saturday, October 20, 2018 8:21 AM >>>> To: [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> >>>> Subject: Auto Scroll with braille display >>>> >>>> Is auto scroll all it is cracked up to be? Do any braille displays offer >>>> this feature on the iPhones? >>>> >>>> I was just reading about the braille Me, which has auto scroll, but I get >>>> a sense it is only for the stand alone book and document reader. >>>> >>>> Ive not experienced auto scrolling, but it seems to me, this would be the >>>> most effective way to read a long document or book 14 or 20 cells at a >>>> time. The concept sounds amazing. Braille scrolling beneath my fingers as >>>> I read. Makes me think of a ticker tape. >>>> >>>> For those of you familiar, could you tell me more. Suggest other braille >>>> display models. >>>> >>>> Thank you, >>>> Traci >>>> >>>> -- >>>> The following information is important for all members of the V iPhone >>>> 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 V iPhone list moderator is Mark Taylor. Mark can be reached at: >>>> [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]>. 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Mark can be reached at: >> [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]>. Your list owner is Cara Quinn - you >> can reach Cara at [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> >> >> The archives for this list can be searched at: >> http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/ >> <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] >> <mailto:[email protected]>. >> To post to this group, send email to [email protected] >> <mailto:[email protected]>. >> Visit this group at https://groups.google.com/group/viphone >> <https://groups.google.com/group/viphone>. >> For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout >> <https://groups.google.com/d/optout>. > > > -- > The following information is important for all members of the V iPhone 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 V iPhone list moderator is Mark Taylor. 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