We wanted to learn a bit more about the design and layout of the new Victor Reader Stream likely to be released by HumanWare in the near future. To do this, we turned to Describe! a new service which provides detailed descriptions of pictures from anonymous 3rd-party users. Below is a description we received for the product pictured in the .PDF we posted earlier. This description is merely one person's opinion and should be taken at face value. Thanks to Chris Nestrud and the Describe! service for providing the following.
The Victor Reader Stream is a black device that is approximately the same size as an iPod. The Stream has a clean layout with good spacing between the buttons. The central portion of the stream contains a standard layout (3 x 4)numerical pad with 1, 2 and 3 across the top row and star, 0, and pound on the bottom row. The odd numbered buttons are gray in color as are the symbols. There are textured surfaces to allow ones fingers to return to the home position and in addition, the 2, 4, 6 and 8 buttons are a bright orange color and angled to allow easier navigation by feel. These buttons have arrows associated with them that correspond with directions for things such as menu navigation or similar items. Above the number pad are three buttons for bookmark, volume (or wireless mode) and a check-mark (which appears to be to confirm a selection, though I am not sure). Above these three buttons is printed in gray the word Stream. Below the numeric keypad, separated by a horizontal ridge, is a gray button with a picture of a crescent moon, perhaps for sleep mode. Below the moon button are standard play / pause button (orange in color) in the center, and fast forward / advance to the right and rewind to the left of the play button -- both of these are gray. Finally, below the play button is printed VictorReader in gray text. The device has a black matte finish on the surface surrounding the buttons and is surrounded by a shiny and smooth black edge the surrounds the entire device. There is a power button on the right hand side of the device which is slightly recessed and above that what appears to be a charging jack. Finally, at the top of the device is the headphone jack. The device appearance is clean both aesthetically and functionally. The buttons are well laid out and seem like they will allow easy functional operation by touch with minimal fumbling around.
What are your thoughts on this potential new item? Be sure to sound off in the comments.
Category: Portable DevicesSo, let me get this straight. A company that designs products for the blind, and markets said products to the blind, released a visual teaser with no description? Do I have that right? If so, the logic of this boggles my brain. What nutjob do they have in charge of marketing over there?
Arnold Schmidt Monday, 28-Jan-2013 7:29 PM ET:
When I got my stream in 2008, I said it was the most life changing piece of electronics I had gotten since getting a computer. I still have my stream, and it still functions flawlessly. On October 21, 2012, I got my iPhone 5, which has now superseded the stream as the most life changing piece of electronics since getting a computer. I will keep my stream running as long as possible, but now having my iPhone, and my NLS player, I don't know that I will buy another stream. This especially will be true if NLS ever releases that long-awaited iPhone app.
Blind Paladin Tuesday, 05-Feb-2013 10:36 PM ET:
I agree with Arnold's thoughts re the iPhone and the Stream. I am nevertheless drooling over the new Stream. Excited that the blind community has so many excellent options for work and play, and that these options are getting better year by year.
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J.J. Meddaugh is an experienced technology writer and computer enthusiast. He is a graduate of Western Michigan University with a major in telecommunications management and a minor in business. When not writing for Blind Bargains, he enjoys travel, playing the keyboard, and meeting new people.
