Author: Matthew Horspool

Orbit Research is pleased to announce the release of firmware version B1.xx.00.04r23 for the Orbit Reader 40.

Following are the new features and improvements.

1. Resolved an issue where the screen reader USB connection failed to resume after unplugging and reconnecting the USB cable.
2. Resolved an issue where after exiting Mass Storage mode the unit froze when switching emulation from “Off” to “Varioultra40” or “Varioultra40” to “Off”.

Notes:

Please note that if the device’s current firmware version is B1.xx.00.04r14 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.

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.

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 “Version” 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 Orbit Reader 40 firmware package is available here.

The Orbit Reader 40 Localization package is available here.

For instructions on upgrading the Orbit Reader 40, please refer to Section 26 of the User Guide available on the website.

For our first Masterclass of 2026, we are delighted to be joined once again by James Bowden, RNIB’s Braille Technical Officer and the UK’s representative to the International Council on English Braille.

This time, James will be discussing accent signs in UEB: what are they, how do we write them, and why are they important?

Topics will include:

• An overview of common accents, and why braille readers should care about them
• How to read and write accents in UEB
• How accents affect capitals and contractions
• Accents in non-English braille codes and when we should use them

There will be lots of examples, plenty of time for questions, and possibly the opportunity to sneak in some general UEB topics at the end if there’s time.

Register for Accents in UEB

To join by phone, please use these details:

• Phone number: 0131 460 1196
• Meeting ID: 878 0869 6203
• Passcode: 123456

Vispero and Dot Inc. are excited to present an exclusive webinar highlighting Dot Pad X and JAWS, a powerful combination that puts multiline Braille at your fingertips. Discover how this portable, versatile multiline braille display works seamlessly with JAWS to support efficient navigation and productivity.

We’ll demonstrate JAWS braille modes—including wrapped and cropped views—along with working in documents, tables, and spreadsheets, using the status line, Split Braille, and more. Join us to see how JAWS and Dot Pad X together are transforming braille access and expanding opportunities for education, work, and independence.

Dot Inc. Presenters: Tim Hornik and Dave Williams

Vispero Presenters: Elizabeth Whitaker and Rachel Buchanan

Register for Dot Pad X and JAWS: Expanding Opportunities with Multiline Braille

Software updates for Android and iOS devices have come a long way over the years, especially for braille readers. Whether you want to learn to type more quickly, or practice your braille writing skills, this workshop is for you! Our presenters will go in-depth into the braille features available on both iOS and Android mobile devices, including braille screen input.

Register for Braille Features on iOS and Android Mobile Devices

Webinar promoted by: The Alliance for Equality of Blind Canadians (AEBC), Alternate Education Resources Ontario (AERO), Braille Literacy Canada (BLC), the Canadian Council of the Blind (CCB), the Centre for Equitable Library Access (CELA), the CNIB Beyond Print, CNIB Foundation, the National Network for Equitable Library Service (NNELS), and the Provincial Resource Centre for the Visually Impaired (PRCVI).

The recording of this session is now available. Watch Now on YOuTube

The funeral of Jim McCafferty is taking place on Tuesday 20 January at noon. It will be streamed live, details of how to join can be obtained from: [email protected]

Victory Amps are offering braille panel options on any Victory amplifier worldwide, at no extra cost.

Victory Amps, which is based in the UK, started researching accessibility when they were building a customised amplifier for guitarist, and social-media personality, Anthony Ferraro. He had reached out, asking if he could try an amplifier in their existing lineup, but Victory wanted to build him an amp that was entirely accessible.

Read the full story on the Sound Without Sight website

Learning to read braille as an adult can be a daunting task. The majority of early braille learning materials often cater to young students or children, making finding beginning braille reading tools as an adult difficult.

Braille Bridge changes that. A combination of digital and hard copy reading materials for older transition-age students as well as adults learning to read braille, Braille Bridge makes the transition to learning braille easy.

Braille Bridge is not a learning curriculum, but a tool to provide adults with braille reading tools that were designed with them in mind.

“Learning and reading braille as an adult allows for more independence and knowledge of the world around you. Signs, keypads, and tactile labels are all examples of common use of braille in everyday lives,” said Laura Zierer, Braille Bridge Product Manager at APH.

Braille Fluency as an adult provides a level of independence in navigating the world, and the workplace. It allows adults to engage with their environment in a whole new way and gives them the opportunity to understand their environment through tactile exploration.

Braille Bridge offers age-appropriate reading material while catering to understanding the basics of braille. This material will aim to incorporate not only complex vocabulary along with interesting and advanced topics, but will include engaging stories for adult readers.

“Adults don’t like to practice braille on children’s books,” said Laura.

Braille Bridge materials are available in both digital and hard copy formats to ensure that anyone can utilize the product regardless of which braille reading device they choose to use. A significant portion of new braille readers and adults who are blind or low vision do not own a braille display or embosser making a delivered hard copy essential for access to braille materials.

For most readers, comfort and fluency develops over time. With limited access to braille learning reading materials, adults are often left with only early education or children’s material to practice with. All braille learners deserve access to interesting and motivating reading material to guide them in their journey to braille literacy.

“This product fills a very large need in the braille learning community of braille-curious, newly blind adults. Once my rehabilitation case was closed, I lost access to my braille tutor, and this self-guided document is the first training course that has been exciting and easy enough to inspire me to get back into regular braille practice. This is just about the highest praise I can give a product for this market,” said one Braille Bridge field tester.

Find access to digital and hard copy braille reading materials when you purchase Braille Bridge available now in the APH Store.

HumanWare are thrilled to announce the release of their latest firmware update for the Brailliant BI X, Mantis and Chameleon braille displays! This update introduces learning braille tables, a recording application and support for the upcoming eBraille format.

Watch the version 2.6 introduction Video

Here’s what’s new:

Learning braille Tables

A new set of learning braille tables is now available in its own category called “English braille learning tables”. These additional braille tables are designed to assist learners in developing their reading and writing skills using braille.

In addition to these learning tables, the list of braille tables has been reorganized and grouped by language.

Recorder: KeyRecorder (Brailliant BI 40X only)

A new application, KeyRecorder, is available for the Brailliant BI 40X. It uses the integrated microphone to record sessions, meetings and all your recording needs. Record on the go with a new global shortcut to start recording using Enter with R.

Assign books with Bookshare

Educators and students now have access to assigned books through the Bookshare online library. A new category called “Assigned Titles” appears in the Bookshare online library.

eBraille Support

With the anticipated eBraille file format soon to be available globally, the Brailliant BI X, Mantis Q40 and Chameleon 20 include initial support.

Performance upgrades and fixes

This version includes several improvements and introduces Estonian and Lithuanian support. New Swiss German and French keyboard layouts have been added to the Mantis Q40.

How do I update my device?

When connected to Wi-Fi, the Brailliant BI X, Mantis Q40 and Chameleon 20 will receive a notification that a system update is available. Select Download to begin the update. If the notification does not appear, follow these steps:

1. Ensure you are connected to Wi-Fi
2. (Brailliant devices) from the Main Menu, press Space with O to jump to the options menu. (Mantis device) press S to go to the Settings.
3. Then press “s” for software update, followed by pressing Enter.
4. Press “C” to check for the update, then press Enter

Thank you to everyone who provided feedback

This version includes enhancements, localization and fixes that came directly from Brailliant BI X series, Mantis Q40 and Chameleon 20 users. We appreciate everyone who writes to us with suggestions or bug reports, your feedback helps us continue improving. Enjoy the new update!

Greetings from Orbit Research!

We are pleased to announce the availability of a new software update, version 1.7.10, for the Orbit Speak notetaker.

This is a hotfix that resolves several issues reported by customers.

The update can be installed by using the automatic software update feature built into the Orbit Speak. Instructions on performing this process are provided below.

Bugfixes

• Fixed situations where software updates fail to install when downloaded over the air.
• Fixed an issue that caused the SD card to disconnect while the device enters sleep mode, causing users to lose playback position and access to files upon wake up.

Steps for updating the software

Please follow the steps below to update the software. If you have already set up your Wi-Fi connection, you will automatically be notified of new software updates and will be able to download and install them easily.

Here are the steps to connect to a Wi-Fi network, if you have not already done so:

1. From the home menu, locate the settings item and activate it with dot 8 or the select key. You can also press the letter s to enter settings directly.
2. In the settings application, locate the Wi-Fi settings item and activate it with dot 8 or select. You can also press w to enter it directly.
3. The device will scan for available networks and will show the network list. Locate your network and press the dot 8 or select key.
4. A menu will pop up with an option to connect to the network. Activate this option with dot 8 or select.
5. If the network is password protected, a dialog will pop up asking you to enter the password. Please enter the password in computer braille and press dot 8.
6. The device will connect to the network and give you an indication that the connection has been successfully completed.
7. You can now press space + dots 1-2-3-4-5-6 to go back to the home menu.

Once your Orbit Speak is connected to the Wi-Fi network, the following are the steps for updating the software:

1. From the main menu, navigate to the settings item and activate it with dot 8 or select.
2. Locate the “software update” item inside of the settings list and activate it with dot 8 or select. You can also press the letter u to enter it directly.
3. Locate the check for updates now button and press dot 8 or select to activate it.
4. The device will tell you that there is a newer software version available and will ask you if you want to install it. Activate the yes button inside the dialog that will pop up.
5. Wait until the device downloads, installs the update, and restarts. Progress indications will be given throughout the process.