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TypeInBraille

Submitted on January 1, 2012 by Sheri w-j
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Description of App

TypeInBraille allows you to write in Braille on your iPhone. You can enter a character through its Braille representation using a sequence of three simple gestures. Each gesture is used to enter one of the three rows of a braille character.
You can find a full description of the typing technique at http://www.everywaretechnologies.com/apps/typeinbraille/

Features
Write your notes

  • type your notes using your fingers to enter Braille dots;
  • edit the text (delete, select, copy, cut and paste);
  • navigate the text (character by character, word by word).

Send and copy your notes

  • send your notes via e-mail;
  • send your notes via text message.
  • copy your notes on the clipboard and paste in any application (e.g., notes).

Type in a noisy environment!
The TypeInBraille text-entry method does not totally depend on the speech feedback. You can write your notes in a noisy environment (a tramcar, at the railway station, etc.).

Type on-the-go!
With TypeInBraille you can easily enter text on-the-go. You are not forced to search for keys on a virtual keyboard.

Please note
TypeInBraille does not replace the iPhone keyboard.
TypeInBraille is compatible with iOS 5 or later.
Currently TypeInBraille only supports English Braille. More localizations will be available soon.

Version

1.1

Free or Paid

Paid

Compatibility

This is a universal app, so works natively on the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad

Device(s) App Was Tested On

iPhone 4

Accessibility Comments

Works as advertised.

VoiceOver Performance

VoiceOver reads all page elements.

Button Labelling

All buttons are clearly labelled.

Usability

The app is fully accessible with VoiceOver and is easy to navigate and use.

Other Comments

the first thing to know is that the letters are pronounced as English letters, but the punctuation is European: takes some getting used to. the developers are very interested in making improvements and in doing research to support further development. I use this a lot at this point; it's very promising.

Link to TypeInBraille in the App Store

Visit developer web site

User Options

1 AppleVis user(s) have recommended this app for VoiceOver users.
0 AppleVis user(s) have reported that they have contacted the developer about accessibility issues with this app.

Comments

#1 Requires VoiceOver to be running

Posted on January 27, 2012 by David Woodbridge

Requires VoiceOver to be running, replaces VoiceOver rotor with own rotor (Insert, Navigation, and Selection mode), and does not work well with Braille displays: i.e. completed letters or when navigating, just flash up quickly on the Braille display.

This app works well in noisy environments as you are typing in Braille rather than having to find letters on an on-screen keyboard.

I've recorded a podcast on this app, which you can download here.

#2 nice podcast!

Posted on January 27, 2012 by Sheri w-j

That's a nice walk through, thanks, David. Maybe, at some point, we could post a follow up showing how quickly you can write with this once you get cooking. The more we use it, the more info we'll get which will enable refinements as time goes on.