From Orbit Research: Software Version 2.1 is now available for Orbit Speak

Greetings from Orbit Research!

We are pleased to announce the availability of a long awaited, new software update, version 2.1, for the Orbit Speak and Orbit Speak Plus notetakers.

This is a major new release, bringing Orbit Speak to our version 2.x platform, aligning it with all the latest features available on our orbit Player, as well as introducing system-wide Braille translation support.

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.

Important notes

  • Installing this release requires 2 steps – first, installing a special build of version 1.x that will allow upgrading to 2.1, and then performing the actual upgrade. Please carefully read all the info provided in the installation steps section.
  • After upgrading to version 2.1, due to major differences between the 2 platforms, data store in our applications such as bookmarks in books, subscribed podcasts, etc, will have to be re-added. Physical data copied to the device, such as music, books, etc, will stay in place.
  • Support for 3rd party Android applications, which for now includes NLS Bard, will be rolled out a bit later.
  • Some functionality has been moved, changed or refined in the 2.1 software compared to 1.x applications. Please consult the updated user guide for changes.
  • There is now a new Braille settings section, under the device settings option, that allows selecting the Braille table used for input, as well as the preferred Braille grade. Once configured, you can switch between the selected Braille grades for the chosen language with space + g )dots 1-2-4-5(. This will cycle between the tables chosen for Computer Braille, contracted, and uncontracted Braille.
  • The update also includes a firmware upgrade. Please be patient when performing the update process for it to fully complete.

New features

Here is a short list of the new features available with this major update. Please consult the updated user guide for more details:

  1. System-wide Braille translation, including on the fly switching between Braille grades.
  2. Internet radio: import/export.
  3. Improved editor with enhanced Say All capabilities, including better cursor tracking.
  4. New world clock, stopwatch, and countdown timer apps.
  5. A new screen reader with better announcement of system prompts, as well as a more responsive overall look and feel.
  6. Re-organized home screen for easier location of important features.
  7. A Braille reader application on orbit Speak Plus for easier reading of BRF files including bookmarks, etc, linked to our book reader.
  8. New software architecture that enables easier updates and quicker bug fixing on an individual application level.
  9. A completely re-designed media player, with proper music library management / playlist capabilities.

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:

Step 1: Installing the transition build
  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. The version you’ll be offered is 1.9.0.1.
  5. Wait until the device downloads, installs the update, and restarts. Progress indications will be given throughout the process.
Step 2: upgrading to 2.1

Once the transition build is installed, follow these steps to upgrade to the actual 2.1 software:

  1. From the home screen, find and activate the Utilities menu.
    1. Inside of the Utilities menu, find and activate the newly added “Upgrade to Orbit Speak 2.0” option.
    1. When prompted if you wish to upgrade, activate the yes button and wait until the device restarts.
    1. Once the device restarts, you will hear Orbit Speak announce the home screen.
    1. Note: the first startup can take longer than usual.