ElBraille splashed onto the scene at last year's CSUN. Yet not much is known about it beyond those initial waves. J.J. sits down with Adi Kushnir, who has been working with the Elita Group, to talk about what has changed and what we can expect from it in the very near future. We also have the Caped Crusader as a guest for the tip, conversations about Ride Sharing in "Sound Off" and we take a trip down the old dusty trail in the "Last Word".
In The News:
Live on the Edge, or have an Ultra Lifestyle? An In-depth review of HIMS and Baum Braille Displays
Blindo Android App allows you to rate and share your Talkback labels
The new issue of Access World offers resources for Low Vision Awareness month
Announcing Project Phoenix - Help us fund an all-new version of Twitterrific for macOS!
DAISY has up some great info for those attending CSUN soon
Ohio State Survey Examines Race Perceptions of Blind People
Interview: ElBraille
Astute followers may note that the ElBraille is a product we've posted about before, such as this CSUN 2016 article from Scott. As it turns out, Freedom Scientific decided to hold off on releasing this Windows 10 braille display dock to the masses until it was retooled and improved.
Adi Kushnir has worked with the Elita Group, a Russian assistive technology company, in the update and re-release of the ElBraille, and joins us to preview the device just ahead of its 2nd debut at CSUN 2017. Also, we talk about a forthcoming 40-cell model which is also in the pipeline.
Check out the forthcoming Elbraille website or Email support@elitagroup.com
Tip:
"The LEGO Batman Movie" is now in theaters and it is a wonderful comedy for the whole family. Siri is in the movie a whole lot, and thanks to a promotion with Apple, you too can ask the digital assistant some questions like the Dark Knight. Just ask Siri: "Hey Computer" to hear some movie-related answers. You may want to hurry though as this promotion may be limited to a particular length of Bat Time.
Sound Off:
Chris Wright sent along some thoughts about Android pitfalls.
"Hello,
This episode was great as always. I'd like to comment on a couple things related to Android. First, it's possible to get newer versions of the OS on a device that isn't officially supported by using custom roms. I am using a 2013 Nexus 7 that is running Nougat thanks to a custom rom. Having said that, I realize this type of device modification isn't feasible for some people. Still, I like the extra flexibility. You can't do this kind of thing on an iPhone. When Apple stops supporting your model, you're screwed and must purchase another device.
I know this has been said before, but I hope Humanware updates Android on the BrailleNote Touch. I was shocked to hear that the unit would ship with an old version of Android when 5.0 and 6.0 have major accessibility improvements in things like web views. If they don't, we're going to end up at the same place we were with the Apex as Android 4.4 becomes more and more obsolete. Keep up the great work on the podcast. I listen to each episode as it is released."
Stanley Littrell notes that we had some fun at the end of the show. Bonus tip, you want to listen again to the end this week, Stanley.
"I should have known that that voice would show up at the end of the podcast. I also hate the ESPEAK voice. Hate may be too strong a word but it is the nearest word that fits."
And here are some tweets sent to the @blindbargains account
BlinkSanDiego re episodes 89/90, @uber driver said to call if you want to contact immediately. There's delay w/ txt.
krishnajariwala: I try to text first so as not to distract them from driving.
APHfortheBlind: Thanks for the acknowledgement and mention of Braille Badges. Always looking for suggestions for possible new ones too.
mfeir: @mattrubery I've begun listening to your book and enjoy it immensely. You write well and Audible chose a good narrator.
SnowspriteGirl: I hate when american narrators read in fake Brit accents. Makes me want to throw things.
Last Word:
Historical games and more Bluetooth goodness for this week's edition of the web-related oddities.
Forgotten history of Oregon Trail
And, more CES gadgets. If you weren't enthused about the Smart Shower from last week, how about this Smart Toaster?
Okay, that is it until the metric ton of audio descends from the clouds over us at CSUN. We'll then be back with the wrap-up show. after we sleep for a week that is... See everyone soon from Sunny San Diego!
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Joe Steinkamp is no stranger to the world of technology, having been a user of video magnification and blindness related electronic devices since 1979. Joe has worked in radio, retail management and Vocational Rehabilitation for blind and low vision individuals in Texas. He has been writing about the A.T. Industry for 15 years and podcasting about it for almost a decade.
