Orbit Research announced the launch of the Orbit Speak braille notetaker at the 37th Annual CSUN Conference on Technology for People with Disabilities in Anaheim, California, USA. The Orbit Speak is equipped with features of a modern braille notetaker with a braille keyboard and synthesized speech output in a compact, pocket-sized device.
What does the Orbit Speak offer?
The Orbit Speak offers built-in note-taking and productivity applications including a book reader, file editor, calendar, address-book, calculator, clock and alarms. It can also connect to smartphones and computers and provides a convenient way to enter text in braille and control the device without having to use touch gestures.
What do you get with the Orbit Speak?
Weighing less than eight ounces, the Orbit Speak is similar in size to modern smartphones, allowing it to fit comfortably in a pocket or purse. Despite its compact size, it provides an ergonomic Perkins-style braille keyboard, with high-quality scissors keys and includes a cursor keypad for navigation.
The Orbit Speak comes with a full-sized SD Card slot and includes a built-in speaker, headphone jack and a vibrator to provide haptic feedback for status indications. It is powered by a fast-charging lithium-ion battery, which is charged through the USB-C port. It can be attached to a lanyard or strap to provide convenient carrying options. A custom-designed carrying case is also available.
What are some of the features available for the device?
The Orbit Speak supports a wide range of languages and is designed for worldwide use. Popular file formats are supported for reading and editing. Hotkey combinations allow easy and rapid switching between apps and between standalone and connected modes, enabling a high degree of productivity.
The Orbit Speak connects to computers and smartphones over Bluetooth or USB, providing an instant, seamless connection to multiple devices simultaneously and allows switching between devices with a simple key combination. It is fully supported by the extensive ecosystem of screen-readers available for the Orbit Reader family of braille products and works out of the box with iOS and Android smartphones and tablets, Amazon Fire tablets, Chromebooks, and Windows, Mac and Linux computers. In connected mode, it can be used to read and send text messages and emails, browse the internet and social media channels, control all functions of the smartphone, tablet or computer, and operate all apps.
When is the Orbit Speak available?
Orbit Research is accepting pre-orders now for the Orbit Speak. Visit www.orbitresearch.com/product/orbit-speak for more information and to place orders.
