Hi folks, In the midst of studying for classes and digesting the news coming from the other side of the fence, I thought I'd just give few opinions, updates and a proposal:
Updates: * New site: I'm almost there with registering the site (the problem is paying for the domain). Once the registration happens, I'll write to the list on what we should do next - writing the site content. Few thoughts and clarifications: * QT input mode under braille terminal (applies to Apex under Ks9.1): The QT mode came, as other features were, based on suggestions on entering text using QWERTY input and controlling the computer using familiar QT commands. As you may know, as of KeySoft 9.10.1031, it works properly only under JAWS thanks to a driver component from HW. Window-Eyes and other desktop screen reader users, as well as embedded computer users cannot use this mode since this mode requires special driver to alert the screen reader of the fact that QT commands are possible on a braille display. This may require two components, but possibly under one driver file: detection of QT keyboard under the screen reader, and exposing the qT command structure to the screen reader so that it can take advantage of its capabilities. This would be an "ideal" solution, but could take time. However, with the demand of returning to Perkins mode being a priority (according to the listers), a short-term solution proposed by users would be a toggle command to switch between QWERTY and Perkins controller mode on a BN Apex QT to solve this issue. * A telephone inside a computer: Speaking of embedded computers, iPhone (and other devices from Apple), Android devices and even other phones are actually computers in their own right. In simple terms, an embedded system is an ordinary (sort of a normal) electronic gadget that has some sort of computing components inside, such as processors, storage memory and other peripherals. In this sense, a phone like iPhone is an embedded system; in addition to appearing as a phone, it also has computer chips such as RAM (random-access Memory), connectivity radios such as wireless and Bluetooth and so forth. When users talk about connecting a BrailleNote to a device (say, iPhone), they are talking about connecting the BN to a computer (a specialized computer, in fact) so that the braille display can be used to read what the phone displays on a screen using braille characters. In this sense, they are applying a "normal" braille terminal mode - connecting to a desktop or laptop computer so that the screen reader can display information in braille using the braille display - in a mobile context - connecting to a mobile computer/phone so that the phone's screen reader (VoiceOver for iOS devices) can display what is happening on an iPhone, for example. And, since mobile phones/computers does not use cables, we (the users) use wireless means of controlling a phone from our BrailleNote via Bluetooth. Hope this makes sense to you. * Recent messages on Apex and its usefulness: I, too, use my Apex BT for a variety of tasks, including reading books, writing documents and recording memos. But there are things that I too would like to see on it, mostly to improve its usefulness and to open the door for user innovations such as programs being written for it. Personally, I wouldn't judge a product just because of company's attitude towards its creation. I think the way to gauge a product is company's willingness to understand users' needs and enthusiasm of the users themselves, such as through forums, solving problems and assisting others who are having issues. Proposal: While writing some articles on PBworks site and as I investigate books on iOS development and writing better software, I thought we could write a booklet or two on solving common problems, useful tips and recommendations from users on using their BrailleNote more effectively. My idea is: perhaps, the users can colaborate on this project (with user submitted materials) and organize this information as a "cookbook" - a list of "recipes" (problems and solutions, tips and suggestions) categorized according to tasks such as word processing and connectivity, similar to what we already have on the BN PBWorks site. If this booklet project is successful, then I can envision this being useful for newbies by providing additional material on top of user guide. That's all I can say at the moment. If you have any comments on this post, just let the list know. Cheers, JL ___ 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
