Hi Charles,
Narrator is becoming a more sophisticated screenreader. There is an issue
where the Narrator Braille driver accidentally disables screenreader Braille
drivers. For this reason, I don't use Narrator. It's too bad as I would like
to use it especially with the Chromium version of Microsoft Edge.
One side benefit of using an existing mobile or windows operating system is
that an optacon could be paired with a Braille display. Only windows and iOS
offer Braille support out of the box. Android requires the BrailleBack
application. Including a screenreader to control the adjustment of software
parameters adds a layer of complexity. I suppose the device could have its own
software interface to provide software information using the tactile array but
this raises issues where the user would need to scroll text on the device
rather than scrolling on a physical space like a piece of paper. Another
option would be to have a Windows application to update an optacon but then the
user is required to have a Windows computer. Orbit Research ran into this
problem were people were mad because they needed a Windows computer to update
the Orbit Reader. At least now there is a boot loader program where the user
can use any computer to get the software update onto an SD card. That could be
done with an optacon.
Then there is a layer of complexity where developers decide whether they want a
closed operating system for an optacon, or to use an open source approach. The
close ecosystem option has the advantage that the software is optimized
specifically for the optacon. No need to get distracted by trying third-party
windows or android applications to see what the user can do. That's the
problem we are in with the specialized notetaker. The user gets a proprietary
version of Android, or a limited version of Windows like in the ElBraille.
It's difficult for companies like Hims, Humanware, and Freedom Scientific to
make the case that their devices are mainstream. At least Hims and Humanware
are honest. Freedom Scientific provides the user with misleading information
that the ElBraille has no compromises. There is no such device without
compromises in the world whether they are used by blind or sighted people. My
microwave can cook food but needs user input. It's not going to use the
Internet to buy and deliver groceries, and magically find recipes to cook.
So now you've heard my sad tale. Lots of ideas but not enough practicality.
Even if I won the lottery and invested in a new optacon there is no guarantee
that there would be a financial return. People might be grateful for awhile
but then lose interest. People buy assistive technology like sighted people
buy cars. They look nice when they are new but don't last. Of course, there
is the rare individual who seeks out obsolete technology for sentimental
reasons. I've thought about getting really old products like the
cassette-based VersaBraille or the BrailleMate. Well now I need to get some
serious work done instead of pontificating and boring you with useless
information.
Dan
-----Original Message-----
From: optacon-l-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx <optacon-l-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> On Behalf
Of CHARLES POND (Redacted sender "wpg67" for DMARC)
Sent: Thursday, August 27, 2020 2:31 PM
To: optacon-l@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [optacon-l] Re: Hi, listers
I have installed and modified Windows using an optacon, and the last time with
narrator under a Windows 10 installation.
also worked in the bios using an optacon.?? In both cases, now one can do this
with Windows 10 and their narrator.
Charles
On 2020-08-27 7:08 a.m., dan.tevelde@xxxxxxxxxxx wrote:
Hello Marco,to view the list archives, go to:
Wow that is really mind-boggling. I don't know of any other way of updating
a device like that which wouldn't require sighted assistance. I suggest
people document their use cases in case we are ever fortunate enough to
create enough interest in a new optacon. These uses could be documented
using a mobile phone to make videos and then sharing the videos. A picture
paints a thousand words.
I'm glad to see the optacon list is alive and well.
Dan
-----Original Message-----
From: optacon-l-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx <optacon-l-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
On Behalf Of Marco Cervi
Sent: Thursday, August 27, 2020 8:35 AM
To: optacon-l@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [optacon-l] Re: Hi, listers
Hello,
Anyone tried to upgrade firmware of any electronic device using Optacon to
read its display?
I made such operation this morning, updating my digital piano firmware.
And this is not the first time! Last week I completed a new setup of my DAB+
radio receiver???. and so on for more electronic devices.
So, yes, Optacon strikes again!
Marco
Il giorno 27 ago 2020, alle ore 10:26, peter wilkinsto view the list archives, go to:
<peterwilkins35@xxxxxxxxx> ha scritto:
Hello Robert.
Well done. Optacon strikes again.
Peter
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