the announcement was written by Carla Morris, Orbit Research LLC, delivered to the list of braille display users.
The Orbit Reader Q40 and Orbit Reader Q20 will be presented at the 39th Annual CSUN Assistive Technology Conference!
Quoted announcement of new Orbit devices
These devices couple the features you have come to expect from our multi-function refreshable braille displays with QWERTY keyboards for input.
The Orbit Reader Q40 offers Orbit’s signage-quality TrueBraille™ technology with 40 eight-dot refreshable braille cells. Both the Q40 and its counterpart, the Orbit Reader Q20 – featuring 20 braille cells – are designed for seamless standalone or connected use with computers and mobile devices. They enable users to read books, take notes, and manage daily tasks with built-in applications like a clock, calendar, and calculator. The full-sized, high-quality, laptop-style QWERTY keyboard with sculpted keys can be independently connected via Bluetooth or USB to a computer or mobile device and allows users the convenience of touch-typing while using braille for reading.
They are equipped with a USB C port for charging and connecting to computers and a USB A port for connecting flash drives containing files. They also have a full-size SD card slot and files can be copied between the flash drive and SD card. They can connect with up to 6 computers and mobile devices over Bluetooth and USB and are compatible with all popular screen readers, including JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver and Talkback. Both products work with Orbit Research’s trailblazing Orbit Teacher and Orbit Chat systems for inclusive education and communication.
Weighing around 2 pounds and measuring 11.7 x 7.5 x 1.3 inches, the lightweight and compact devices are designed for robustness, and are dust and fluid-resistant, ensuring durability in everyday use.
The Orbit Reader Q20 and Q40 will begin shipping in June 2024. The Orbit Reader Q20 is priced at $995 and the Orbit Reader Q40 at $1895.
The full text of the press release is available at Orbit Research website.