Orbit Research, the US-based developer and manufacturer of innovative and affordable products that enable independent lifestyles for people who are blind and visually impaired, has continued launching breakthrough products like accessible scientific and graphing calculators, refreshable braille displays, and tactile graphic displays that define the state-of-the-art in features, functionality, and affordability. Their latest in the products bouquet is Orbit Reader 20/40 cells which stands out as the most affordable Refreshable Braille Display worldwide, offering a distinctive 3-in-1 functionality. Serving as a standalone book reader, note-taker, and braille display, it seamlessly connects to computers or smartphones via USB or Bluetooth. Featuring a 20-cell or 40-cell and eight-dot display, the Orbit Reader utilizes reliable braille cell technology from Orbit Research.
This innovation leverages mainstream components and manufacturing processes, delivering high-quality signage-grade refreshable braille with traditional electro-mechanical braille cells technology. When utilized as a standalone reader, it allows users to access files from the SD card, including BRF and BRL formatted books, text files, or files in various formats. This functionality is particularly beneficial for students in developing countries, enabling content loading by teachers onto the SD card, thereby facilitating use without live connectivity to a computer or the Internet. The reader incorporates features for easy navigation, bookmark insertion and editing, folder browsing, and more. As a braille display, the Orbit Reader connects seamlessly to PCs, Macs, iOS, and Android devices through Bluetooth and USB. It supports simultaneous connections to multiple devices, empowering users to control computer or smartphone functions. In note-taker mode, the Orbit Reader offers essential file creation and editing functions, allowing users to create, save, and edit files on the SD card. File management features include renaming, deleting, copying, and creating folders and files. Language independence is inherent to the device, with prompts and menus easily localized for different regions.
Despite its extensive features, the Orbit Reader is user-friendly, facilitating seamless switching between reader, note-taker, and braille display modes, as well as device selection between a computer or phone. The Orbit Reader includes a high-quality Perkins-style keyboard, a cursor pad with 4-arrow keys, a select button, and rocker keys on each side of the braille display for navigation. The back of the unit features a recess housing an SD Card slot, a USB Micro B socket, and a power button. Powered by a user-replaceable fast-charging lithium battery, recharged through the USB port, the device is fluid and dust-resistant, with construction optimized for durability in extreme environmental conditions. It supports file types including BRF, BRL, or plain text, and has premium noiseless, fatigue-free keys, and a blinking cursor with dots 7 and 8, according to CECIAA, created in 1990 by blind people to encourage the integration of visually impaired people in everyday life, in school and professional life.
Source: CECIAA