News

Blazie Technologies is pleased to announce its new Legacy Trade-In Program, giving customers the opportunity to receive $200 off the purchase of a new Blazie Technologies product when they trade in an eligible Blazie Engineering product.

For years, Blazie Engineering products have earned a reputation for accessibility, reliability, and durability. Many of those devices remain in use today, reflecting the lasting quality of the products. We know these products are important to our customers, and they are important to us as well. The Legacy Trade-In Program recognizes that shared history by honoring the lasting value of Blazie Engineering products and the customers who have relied on them for years.

“Our customers have always been at the heart of everything we do,” said Bryan Blazie, Chief Executive Officer of Blazie Technologies. “Many people are still using products originally purchased from Blazie Engineering, and we want them to know that those products still hold value. This program is our way of thanking our longtime customers and recognizing the investment they’ve made in our products.”

Through the Legacy Trade-In Program, customers will receive $200 off the purchase of one Blazie Technologies product when they trade in one eligible Blazie Engineering product. Trade-in products do not need to be operational to qualify. Only one qualifying trade-in may be applied per eligible product purchase, and there is no expiration date for the program.

Eligible trade-in products include: Braille ‘n Speak Classic, Braille ‘n Speak 640, and Braille ‘n Speak 2000; Type ‘n Speak; Type Lite; all Braille Lite models, including Braille Lite 18 and Braille Lite 40; and Braille Blazer embosser. Accessories, including carrying cases, cables, cassette tape interfaces, disk drive accessories, and standalone disk drives, are not eligible for the program. The Braille ‘n Speak Scholar from APH is also not eligible for the Legacy Trade-In Program.

The products may have changed, but our commitment to our customers has not. From our Blazie family to yours, we look forward to reconnecting with you.

For additional information about the Legacy Trade-In Program or to confirm product eligibility, contact Blazie Technologies at (772) 214-1616 or fill out our Legacy form.

We would like to share with you an important issue regarding our USB Braille display driver with Windows. As of the most recent Windows update, our legacy USB drivers have been disabled due to outdated security certificates. We are currently addressing this problem with Microsoft and hope to have a fix soon. This affects our BrailleSense 6 line, the QBraille, and other older Braille displays over USB. These devices can still be used over Bluetooth, and the eMotion and the new BrailleSense 7 are not affected at all, as they do not use these drivers. We recognize the serious and widespread nature of this problem, and we sincerely apologize for the inconvenience this is causing our users. We will update you with a fix as soon as possible.

SELVAS is thrilled to announce the availability of 3 new apps for the BrailleSense 6 and 6 mini, all of which can be downloaded via the optional Add-Ons menu.

1.      New web TV App

1. Installs to the Media menu below web Radio.
2. Contains the same exact interface as the Web Radio, but for freely available online TV stations.
3. Uses an Open Source database that is actively maintained. Thus, be sure to update the database often, and to know that, if stations stop working, they may well return in a few days.

2.      New Play store search add-on

1. Installs to the Android Apps menu below the Play Store.
2. This program creates a BrailleSense-type interface for searching applications on the Play Store. However, as with Video search and YouTube, the Play store page is opened for installation.
3. When you open the program, you are offered options for searching by keyword or category. Keyword asks you to type a search term, while category offers a list of categories. As with other search programs, Tab to reach more specific information, and Shift-Tab to return to more general designations.
4. When in a list of results, press Enter-I to get information about the application.
5. Press Enter on the focused application to open its page in the Play store to install it. Remember that you can use first letter navigation here, and pressing the letter I a time or two should get you to the Install button. Aside from direct installation, you shouldn’t need to interact directly with the Play store interface.

3.      Words With HIMS Add-On

1. This is a general word game of words of different lengths and clues. Installs to the Extras Menu.
2. Be sure to use Tab and Shift-Tab to discover all the current controls and information.
3. In addition to the included words and clues, you can also add your own, and set several options for play.

The Web browser V2 add-on has also been updated to fix several reported issues. Other add-ons have been updated to reflect refinements in Braille translation, but do not contain additional features and functions.

This update includes a new literary Braille Input feature for the Desktop, adds chapter navigation to the Podcasts app, brings a milestone update to BT Code, introduces new features to BT Towne and brings additions, refinements, and reliability improvements across existing feature areas. Particularly AI Tools, file management, Bluetooth and headset controls, and BT Braille behavior.

Read the release notes

We are pleased to announce the release of firmware version B0.xx.00.69rxx for the Orbit Reader 20.

Following are the new features and improvements.

1. Added support for setting the Orbit Reader 20 device nickname using the Orbit Chat app.
2. Resolved an issue affecting the naming of files received from the Orbit Chat app.

Notes:

Please note that if the device’s current firmware version is B0.xx.00.69r36 or an earlier version, following points must be considered:

1. The device settings will be reset to their defaults after the upgrade.
2. If localization has been applied, you will also need to re-apply it after the upgrade using the package available on our website at https://www.orbitresearch.com/support/orbit-reader-20-support/#LocalizationPackage

The firmware package can be downloaded from our website’s Support menu.

To identify the proper firmware package for your unit, you will need to check the version number of the firmware currently loaded on your unit. If your unit does not turn on or if you are not able to read the version number from your device, please contact our technical support team at [email protected].

To check the version number of your current firmware package please follow the following steps:

1. Power ON your unit.
2. Press the Select + Up key to open the menu.
3. Scroll down to the item “Ver.” by pressing down the arrow key.
4. It should display the firmware version number on your Braille display.

Check the first four digits of the version number and click on the respective link in the table on our website to download the appropriate firmware package. Once downloaded, you can install it using the SD card method or using the Windows utility program.

The firmware package is available here – https://www.orbitresearch.com/support/orbit-reader-20-support/orbit-reader-firmware-download/

The Localization package is available here – https://www.orbitresearch.com/support/orbit-reader-20-support/#LocalizationPackage For instructions on upgrading the Orbit Reader 21, please refer to Section 21 of the User Guide available on the website at https://www.orbitresearch.com/support/orbit-reader-20-support/orbit-reader-20-user-guide-downloads/

We are pleased to announce the release of firmware version A1.xx.00.09r62 for the Orbit Reader 20 Plus.

Following are the new features and improvements.

1. Added support for setting the Orbit Reader 20 device nickname using the Orbit Chat app.
2. Resolved an issue that prevented file transfers from the Orbit Reader 20 to the Orbit Chat app.
3. Resolved an issue affecting the naming of files received from the Orbit Chat app.
4. Resolved an issue that prevented message transfers from the Orbit Reader 20 to the Orbit Chat app.

Notes:

Please note that if the device’s current firmware version is A1.xx.00.09r49 or an earlier version, following points must be considered:

1. The device settings will be reset to their defaults after the upgrade.
2. If localization has been applied, you will also need to re-apply it after the upgrade using the package available on our website at https://www.orbitresearch.com/support/orbit-reader-20-plus-support/#LocalizationPackage

The firmware package can be downloaded from our website’s Support menu.

To identify the proper firmware package for your unit, you will need to check the version number of the firmware currently loaded on your unit. If your unit does not turn on or if you are not able to read the version number from your device, please contact our technical support team at [email protected].

To check the version number of your current firmware package please follow the following steps:

1. Power ON your unit.
2. Press the Select + Up key to open the menu.
3. Scroll down to the item “Ver.” by pressing down the arrow key.
4. It should display the firmware version number on your Braille display.

Check the first four digits of the version number and click on the respective link in the table on our website to download the appropriate firmware package. Once downloaded, you can install it using the SD card method or using the Windows utility program.

The firmware package is available here – https://www.orbitresearch.com/support/orbit-reader-20-plus-support/orbit-reader-20-plus-firmware-download/

The Localization package is available here – https://www.orbitresearch.com/support/orbit-reader-20-plus-support/#LocalizationPackage For instructions on upgrading the Orbit Reader 20 Plus, please refer to Section 23 of the User Guide available on the website at http://www.orbitresearch.com/support/orbit-reader-20-plus-support/orbit-reader-20-plus-user-guide-downloads/

We are delighted to announce BARD support for the Orbit Speak Plus and the Orbit Player. The long wait is over!

The BARD Mobile app from NLS arrives on all units on July 15 through a software update. Browse the collection and download titles directly over Wi-Fi, with electronic braille titles read aloud through TTS speech output – your next book is only a search away.

To learn more about the Orbit Speak Plus and the Orbit Player, please call us at 888-606-7248 (US), visit https://www.orbitresearch.com/, or email us at [email protected].

I updated MBraille Desktop for Windows.  This release is now fully self-voicing, as NVDA and JAWS had trouble navigating it fully.  So the advice is to suspend those while using MBraille.

Windows version is a free application.

If you don’t know what MBraille is, below is a “pitch”

MBraille is an innovative typing and notetaking application designed to let you type in braille using standard hardware. It bridges the gap between traditional braille writing and everyday modern technology, allowing blind, visually impaired, or sighted individuals learning braille to type efficiently without needing expensive, specialized braille hardware.

What It Does & How It Works

Standard Key Mapping: The application turns a regular QWERTY keyboard (or a mobile touchscreen) into a braille input device. It maps the standard 6-dot braille cell to six home-row keys: S, D, F represent dots 1, 2, and 3 (left hand), and J, K, L represent dots 4, 5, and 6 (right hand). You press these keys simultaneously to input characters.

Speech Feedback & Screen Reader Integration: As you type, MBraille provides immediate audio feedback, reading back letters, words, and commands. On desktop platforms like Windows, it integrates seamlessly with leading screen readers such as NVDA and JAWS.

Support for Multiple Formats: It supports both contracted (shorthand/Grade 2) and uncontracted (character-by-character/Grade 1) braille across many different languages.

Core Features

Learning & Skill Building: The desktop version includes guided exercises specifically designed to help beginners master the 6-dot system, build muscle memory, and improve typing fluency.

Rich Text Editing & Utilities: Beyond simple entry, it offers full word-processing capabilities including cursor movement, text selection, copy/cut/paste, undo, search, and bookmarking.

A Mobile Powerhouse: While the Windows version acts as an excellent training ground and stationary desk tool, MBraille transforms on iOS and Android. On mobile devices, it operates as a full-fledged, braille-first notetaker. It allows you to use the touchscreen for chorded braille entry, utilize voice dictation, use a one-handed mode, and use specific braille command shortcuts to send texts, make phone calls, and manage daily tasks.

Cloud Connectivity: The platform syncs seamlessly with popular cloud storage services like Dropbox, Google Drive, and OneDrive so you can access your notes across devices.

Who Is It For?

MBraille is ideal for individuals who are blind or visually impaired looking for a fast, “eyes-free” way to type on everyday devices without carrying heavy external braille displays. It is also an excellent tool for educators, students, or anyone wanting to learn the mechanics of braille typing.

MBraille is localized to 24 languages.

Welcome to BrailleBlaster 3.2.2. This release has improvements with tables and with the backspace and delete keys. This release is now available to download from the BrailleBlaster website.

Bug Fixes and Improvements

• The Ctrl+End and Ctrl+Home Keystrokes and Hot Keys are functioning normally.
• Able to open file with a definition list that is using Pandoc Importer.
• In tables the last column is blank, and guide dots are now being shown in the last column to show as empty.
• Two-rowed table cells have correct widths in the table.
• Alt text is working accordingly. There are transcriber notes visible in the braille view for when there is alt text seen.
• Customer service issue where the backspace button was not functioning properly has been fixed.
• Customer service issue where deleting five lines at the top of a document cause an exception error has been fixed.
• Copying for internal documents matches style from one document to another.
• The page break drifting up as typing is no longer occurring. The difficulty typing before the page break has been fixed.
• List paragraph style from Word will convert to list braille content as it should.
• No longer seeing the Displayed Blocked Text in Style View.
• Opening a bad filename at the C Prompt is now fixed.
• Imported Math has all characters and exhibits a completed equation from a ASCIIMath rendering.
• Brailleblaster Quick Reference Card.brf file is embossable on Pageblasters embossers.
• MathML is working accordingly.
• A number of other minor improvements and bug fixes.

This announcement will be useful for other developers, especially those who, like me, prefer developing desktop solutions in C# (CSharp).

For one of my work-related projects I needed to integrate the LibLouis Braille translator.

Let me introduce SharpLouis, a .NET wrapper for the LibLouis Braille translation library.

It’s currently at version 2.0 and bundles LibLouis 3.38.

GitHub: https://github.com/accessmind/sharp-louis

NuGet: https://www.nuget.org/packages/AccessMind.SharpLouis If you have any issues, questions, requests, report them on GitHub.