Contributed by Joel Zimba, Special Projects Coordinator, MDTAP
It’s that time of year again. In the days leading up to the NFB (National Federation of the Blind) and ACB (American Council for the Blind) conventions, Assistive Technology companies begin announcing new products and upgrades. Today, we have one of each on the menu.
Users of the Hims line of notetakers will be pleased to know about the release of Sense Notetaker V8.1. A Facebook interface has been added to the Social Networking menu as well as various password functions. A macro function, which scripts sequential functions has also been added. There are also many improvements to the wireless connectivity and file manager menus. This version will run on all current models of Hims notetakers including the BrailleSense On-Hand, which MDTAP staff would be delighted to demonstrate.
In other news, BAUM USA, just announced the VarioUltra, a new line of portable Braille displays. VarioUltra will come in 20 and 40-cell models. Of note is the ability to easily switch between five previously paired devices. On the software side, VarioUltra will sport notetaker functionality, as well as a PDF viewer and scientific calculator. BAUM USA claims the VarioUltra is the lightest Braille display on the market—thanks in part to its brushed aluminum chassis. Pricing and availability will doubtless be forthcoming.
The MDTAP ship will be struggling to stay afloat as the waves of the 2014 product tsunami continues. We will report in regularly via smoke signals and blog posts once we’re sure this bucket of bolts is going to stay in one piece.
