Hi Ray and list, >From what I heard, upgrading to a new OS isn't easy. Basically, if upgrading to CE6.0, the following steps must be taken: 1. Get Windows Mobile CE 6.0 from HW's end. 2. Rewrite KeySoft code (in C++) to take advantage of CE6.0 kernel. 3. Rewrite device drivers (dll's) so that basic devices for BrailleNote (Braille display, sound, etc.) functions correctly. 4. Test and rewrite KS code on the brailleNote to make sure it works with new memory management, network, sound and storage mechanism. 5. A round of Beta testing begins to see if it works as expected. 6. When the new KS is deemed ready, it is released. As I've said before, upgrading to new Windows CE 6.0 (that's the OS I am advocating) takes time and effort. But, in the end, it would eradicate majority of the issues discussed here, such as low memory problem, Word 2007, Bluetooth stack and so on. But as with any OS upgrade, complications arise, particularly for pocket PC-like OS such as CE. Some of them are: * starting with CE 5.0, BrailleNote must sacrifice some megabytes of Flash just for operating system files. As a side effect, users can use full RAM capacity to run programs, thus allowing us to work with somewhat larger data and more programs. * A new way of managing power must be implemented. Because BrailleNote will not use RAM Disk as ROM file storage anymore., it would add additional minutes to available battery life. * Starting with cE 6.0, we have 2 GB of virtual memory (instead of 32 MB), meaning that we will not run into "virtual memory is below certain percent" message (unless one is using large chunks of data, such as huge media files and large webpages). As for KeySoft 8.0 being a worthy upgrade, I have mixed feelings. I, too, agree that while some features, such as GPS trial (which I am happily trying out to understand my surroundings at college) and WPA Personal (which I use at home) is worth a try, others did not bring potential to what BrailleNote can do, such as lack of mainstream network support in KeyChat, problems with large websites and so forth. However, when examining "under the hood" aspects of this release, I did not see any stability issues (as of now) nor any reports of technical problems with KS8 (making this release more stable than 7.5 series). I know some of you are wondering about Sixth BrailleNote Chat. As of my schedule, I plan to host it around Labor Day weekend here in the united States (that is, around first Monday of September). This is in par with what I have outlined earlier: to allow users to test KeySoft 8.0 (at least a month) to see what happens, and to allow HW to formulate a response to users' comments. So, just like the Second one, I would like to invite HW staff on the sixth one to hear what they have in mind, as well as groups such as students, IT professionals (like Ray) and others to join and share what they think about KeySoft 8.0 (and that is the main focus of this Sixth Chatt, among with other BN issues). Hope this helps. Cheers, Joseph
-----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Ray Campbell Sent: Monday, August 03, 2009 7:40 AM To: [email protected] Subject: RE: [Braillenote] Keysoft 8.0, is it a good thing for all BN users? Hi Mike and All: Well, if adapting the Keysoft Software to a newer OS is what is required, then HW owes it to its customers to do it, especially if this will help address some of the requests and suggestions that have been put forward. Yes, this may require more than one SMA count, but so be it. HW needs to keep up with its competition. Thanks, Ray Campbell, Adaptive Technology Help Desk Technician The Chicago Lighthouse for People Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired 1850 W. Roosevelt Road Chicago, IL 60608 312.997.3651 (Voice/Relay) or 888.825.0080 (Voice/Relay) [email protected] www.thechicagolighthouse.org ___ 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
