The Humanware NLS eReader: a free braille device available only to patrons in the US

The following review is an adapted version of this evaluation to suit the AppleVis website. You can read the full review on the Technology, Research and Innovation Center's Blog

The linked expanded evaluation includes a comprehensive review of the internal applications and how well the device works with other screen readers not within the Apple ecosystem.

Introduction:

The National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS), Library of Congress, has been known for distributing materials to eligible patrons for many years in specialized formats. Not only is NLS known for their distribution of content, but it is also known for loaning equipment needed to consume the materials it makes available. While NLS has offered the downloading of both audio and braille content for years, they have not offered a way for patrons to consume the digital braille content until recently. Braille content in particular, though available, required the user to own a braille device to read the material. NLS is now distributing 2 different models of braille displays to its patrons who request them. The model the patron receives will depend on which device their state library loans out. One way to get more general information about the NLS eReader program is to read this article from the APH Connect Center.

The state where I live is one of those which distributes the NLS Humanware eReader. I recently signed up to receive one, particularly since the braille display I typically use had to be sent back after 3 years of use for cleaning and a new battery. While the feature set does not encompass what I have available on my device, it has a lot to offer and was free of charge. With some modifications to my workflow, I’m finding that the Humanware NLS eReader works quite well as a back-up. Though I’m aware of the NLS eReader being distributed by Zoomax in other states, the state I live in only provides the Humanware device.

What’s In The Box?

Upon arrival, the box contained the eReader, USB-A to USB-C cable, USB to AC charging brick with a braille NLS label on it, the User Guide in hard copy braille, lanyard, and a cable allowing the connection of NLS cartridges to the eReader to load content which had been received by postal mail. Having an embossed copy of the User Gide has been very helpful as a reference. This is particularly beneficial for those who prefer not to operate two pieces of technology simultaneously but are not yet familiar enough with the eReader to begin using it.

Description

The Humanware NLS eReader is a twenty-cell braille display featuring an ergonomic Perkins-style keyboard, 16 gigabytes of internal memory, and the ability to connect to external media through the USB-A port and SD card reader. This meant that when I needed to move data from my primary device to this one, I was able to put the SD card in the eReader and have all of my files available. It is also capable of connecting up to 5 Bluetooth devices and 1 USB device for use with a screen reader. The eReader also offers Wi-Fi support so that a patron can download braille content from the NLS, NFB Newsline and Bookshare. The device also has the ability to keep track of the time and date. It measures 7.2 inches long by 3.3 inches wide by 0.8 inches thick and weighs 0.88 pounds. It is important to note that this is a “reader” and not a device intended for taking notes and performing other writing functions. Also worth noting, though, is that the NLS eReader can connect to screen readers such as VoiceOver, JAWS and NVDA, permitting the user to write with the Perkins-style keyboard.

Those familiar with the Brailliant BI20X or Chameleon 20 are already acquainted with the physical appearance of the Humanware NLS eReader. Positioning the device so the spacebars are closest to you, the lay-out is as follows: On the front edge from left to right are five buttons. First is the Up Thumb Key followed by the Left Thumb Key, which is about twice as long as the Up Thumb Key. In the middle is a circular shaped button known as the Select Key. To the right of the Select Key is the Right Thumb Key, followed by the Down Thumb Key. The Right Thumb Key is larger than the Down Thumb Key. The two larger thumb keys on the front of the device are what pan the display back and forth. The Up and Down Thumb Keys are used for navigational purposes that depend on the application in use and how they are configured. An easy way to remember which key performs which function is that each of the rectangular buttons has a line on that part of the button. For example, there is a raised line on the full top edge of the Up Arrow and one along the right edge for the Right Arrow.

On the left side you will find 4 items. Moving from front to back, you will encounter holes for a lanyard strap to be attached. Behind this, the user will find a USB-A port used for inserting a thumb drive. Continuing to explore the left side, the item behind the USB-A port is the Power button. Pressing and holding it for several seconds will toggle the power, and a quick press when the device is on will either wake it up or put it to sleep. Behind the Power button is a USBC port for charging or connecting the eReader to a computer.

Another hole is located on the right side of the device and is the closest thing to the user on that side. Behind this, the user will find 2 volume buttons and a 3.5MM headphone jack which is covered. These volume buttons and 3.5 MM headphone jack are things that are used on the Brailliant and Chameleon but are not utilized with the eReader program.

On the top surface, the keys located closest to you are two spacebars. Behind these, you will find the twenty braille cells with a corresponding Cursor Routing Key behind each cell. Behind the Cursor Routing Keys, is a standard eight-dot Perkins-style braille keyboard. Along the back side of the display, you will find an SD card reader. The under-side of the Humanware NLS eReader has a braille serial number and 4 rubber feet to hold it in place. It’s important to note that though the Humanware eReader is in the body of a Brailliant, the software is not the same, nor are some of the keyboard shortcuts. For example, space with m on the Chameleon and Brailliant is used to go to the relevant context menu. On the Humanware NLS eReader, the user would press space with h to launch this menu and would press space with M to go back to the eReader’s main menu.

Settings

The reading experience on the NLS eReader is one that is highly customizable through the Settings application. Among the configurable options: the ability to turn on Airplane mode; toggle Wi-Fi; Bluetooth settings; software update; the ability to remove blank lines; the ability to have format markers inside files; whether to get vibratory or audio feedback of messages; whether the cursor should be visible; Word Wrap; the ability to change the functions of the Thumb Keys; Auto-scroll; Braille Reflow; one-handed mode; and a few other options. For an explanation of any of these settings, a patron can consult the already available User Guide on the eReader. NLS has also made video tutorials which are available on Youtube.

Putting The “Read” Back In eReader

The Book Reader application can be launched from the main menu or by pressing dot 8 on a supported file. Most files will load within a second of being selected, though some longer books require a little wait time. For example, I downloaded On the Air: The Encyclopaedia of Old-Time Radio, a very large book. Loading the DAISY text version after downloading took roughly 25 seconds. The .BRF version of the same book loaded within 5 seconds. However, in this case, I’m willing to wait since the DAISY content permits me to have more navigation options. Specific to this book, it allows me to quickly jump from program to program when I want to browse for new information. You can also jump quickly between sections and articles when viewing content downloaded from NFB Newsline. Sections are typically at heading level 2, while individual articles are usually at heading level 3. When you have set the navigation to what you prefer, using space+ J, you can then press the Up and Down Keys to jump by that chosen element. Only those navigation options available for the currently open book will be shown. Possibilities include sentence, paragraph, level, percentage, and bookmark. It would be handy to have hot keys to jump to specific elements within the open book. Instead of having to go to a menu to jump directly to the next heading level 3, for example, it would be much quicker if there was a hot key to do this. You can also activate auto scroll when reading. I found that the eReader retained my speed as time went along, and that it continued to do so after roughly an hour of reading.

As long as the eReader hadn’t been in the file the user was consuming at the time the battery dies, that it retained the reading position reliably. Speaking of retaining places in written material, the patron also has the ability to set multiple bookmarks within a file. This is an option I wish I had while in college, it would have made jumping directly to content much more efficient. Overall, I enjoy reading on the eReader and the large number of connectivity options available.

Connecting For Use as a Braille Display

According to the User Guide, the screen readers supported include VoiceOver for Apple products, NVDA and JAWS. It is possible to connect up to 5 Bluetooth devices and 1 USB device at a time and then switch between any of the desired connections. I found that when switching among connected devices, that the eReader would often display what was on the screen of the last connected device until something is done to wake up the connection in focus. Pressing space with dot 1 or any other command to send something to the newly connected screen reader will bring up the content from the channel the user has switched to. NVDA 2024.1, JAWS 2024, iOS 17.4.1, and macOS Sonoma were used to conduct this evaluation. Though TalkBack with Android was not mentioned as being officially supported yet, I also tried this using a Pixel 7.

#iOS 17.4.1

I was able to connect to my iPhone 14 Pro Max without any challenges. Most of the braille display commands for iOS are supported, though there are a few exceptions at the time of writing. The NLS eReader is experiencing issues surrounding text selection commands, getting dot 8 to enter a new line or activate the send button and some of the keyboard emulation commands are not functioning as expected. For more specific info about these challenges, and more information about braille on iOS in general, you can check out this guide I updated regularly with the most recent update being in November 2023. For those who prefer to listen to the information in audio form, I have produced a 3-part series on braille displays with iOS for the Braillists Foundation which also has transcripts available. I’m sharing these resources since I did not find any detailed information in the User Guide of the eReader.

As mentioned above, I was able to utilize the NLS eReader to offset the issue I had with not having the display I would normally use available. This has largely been possible due to the robust braille support implemented by Apple. I am able to use the eReader for all aspects of my life as they pertain to iOS devices. That means having access to online banking, the ability to manage email, making phone calls through text relay, recognizing photos and so many things are still accessible to me as a DeafBlind person, even though my primary display is out of action, I am not.

#macOS

As long as VoiceOver is running, the eReader is connected through USB and is in the braille display interface, the Mac and braille display should start working together almost instantaneously. I did find that the Bluetooth connection, like with many braille devices running on Mac OS, was a bit unstable. When the eReader would stop responding, pressing Command with f5 to unload, and then again to reload VoiceOver typically resolved these issues. This happened less frequently over USB, though the same fix was also effective. The User Guide doesn’t provide much information pertaining to using the eReader on the Mac, however this support article from Apple may assist in getting started with VoiceOver and braille displays in general. There are also linked articles on this page which go in to greater detail regarding using a braille display with an Apple computer.

Conclusion And Personal Remarks

The fact that I am reviewing a braille display which is free to all patrons of NLS speaks volumes regarding progress with access for those who are braille readers. Many books are now readable in a very small package and can be read as desired. Further, since this device can connect to several screen readers, it extends this access to mainstream devices such as those found on Apple or Microsoft. Though the documentation could be more readily available and easier to find, this level of access is nothing short of a huge step forward toward making our society a more inclusive place for individuals who rely on braille as their access method. When these eReaders are combined with other technologies such as those found among the connection options, they provide a level of access many could only dream of a few years ago. I commend all who were involved with making this program a reality and am happily benefiting from it. The battery life seems to be around 12 hours with fairly heavy use, making the NLS eReader not only good for access to books and magazines, but also a hub for productivity when needed.

For more information on this program, individuals should contact their Local cooperating library. You can find which library to contact on ’NLSs Find Your Library page.