I was wondering has anybody seen or can point me to a good review of the new Orbit writer? I saw this the other day and am seriously considdering this when it comes out.
I purchased the orbit writer recently, and enjoying using it. I just did the firmware upgrade, It took away the sluggishness and is working much much better, I enjoy working with it it’s a nice little keyboard, helpful for me
I got the cute little thing for Christmas. My brother updated the device for me. But it will not pair with my iPhone 8 running IOS 14.3. I saw another thread about connecting but hoped the problem was fixed. Help!
Hi, someone was asking me if you could easily type on it while walking or say standing in line at a store and you had to send a quick message. Any thoughts on this?
I have two of these and use them every day to control my iPhone. These are awesome little devices. What sort of things do I use them for? Some of my tasks
include, but are not limited to, the following:
list of 7 items
• Shopping
• Texting
• Surfing the web
• Emailing
• Ordering from services like DoorDash
• Doing podcasts for AppleVis, such as the ones on Eter and broadcasts
• Playing games
list end
How much are they? Just curious. Would I need to get a second mortgage? Would I need to sell my cat? When people talk about a nice device and how well it works, they never give the price.
Hi, first there is no lag when typing.
As for it not having USB C this is no big deal. I'll explain why. It isn't the only product using Micro USB on the market. Second if they were to put USBC in it would have to be redesigned. That costs money. How much that would cost I have no idea but I won't not buy a product because of that reason.
Thanks. Is that a keyboard? Braille? What? I mostly use a slim folio keyboard for my iPad 9 and for the phone nothing. Learned to use the keyboard on the phone and for long messages I use my iPad. How old is it? Does it work well and is easy to use? Does it have function keys if is a keyboard? Hope you do not mind me asking.
Thanks. The only Braille I used was the big heavy metal Braille writer that I got when I lost my sight a long time ago on a galacy far far away. It only had the Braille keys, the space bar on the middle. I was asking because I know a wonderful lady and she uses Braille and I think it might help her with using an iPhone. She is using a flip phone with buttons that she got a long time ago.
I don't have anything that uses micro USB. Everything I have is USB-C, hence not purchasing.
Interestingly, I had my Vario Ultra 20 converted from micro USB to USB-C. I'm not sure about the dimensions, but I think it was a fairly simple drop in so hopefully it isn't too much of a redesign.
I'll certainly pick one up when they drop with USB-C.
Could you just clarify, there are eight dots, a space bar... Are there any other navigation keys? Also, can it be paired with more than one device?
Got an email back from orbit and it sounds like there are no current plans to change the orbit writer to USB-C. I'm guessing the announcement was about new products going forward?
That is not correct. They might not of confirmed it because they don't have a firm release date. see this link find the April 2025 Orbit zoom call you can hear for yourself. https://www.turner42.com/ori.html
That may be possible it is also possible they don't want to give a date. But as you can hear in that call it is coming. I have two with the old design I will upgrade them when the new ones come out even if I need to buy new.
Comments
Yes
Yes you can.
Orbit writer
I purchased the orbit writer recently, and enjoying using it. I just did the firmware upgrade, It took away the sluggishness and is working much much better, I enjoy working with it it’s a nice little keyboard, helpful for me
Pairing with iPhone 8
I got the cute little thing for Christmas. My brother updated the device for me. But it will not pair with my iPhone 8 running IOS 14.3. I saw another thread about connecting but hoped the problem was fixed. Help!
Finding documentation
Is there any documentation on how to use the Orbit Writer online? I can't find any.
It’s the first thing that comes up when you google orbit writer
http://www.orbitresearch.com/support/orbit-writer-user-guide-downloads/
orbit writer questions
Hi, someone was asking me if you could easily type on it while walking or say standing in line at a store and you had to send a quick message. Any thoughts on this?
Orbit Reader and Apple TV
Does the Orbit Writer work with the Apple TV?
this is still the best keyboard
I have two of these and use them every day to control my iPhone. These are awesome little devices. What sort of things do I use them for? Some of my tasks
include, but are not limited to, the following:
list of 7 items
• Shopping
• Texting
• Surfing the web
• Emailing
• Ordering from services like DoorDash
• Doing podcasts for AppleVis, such as the ones on Eter and broadcasts
• Playing games
list end
As you can see, they are literally used for everything. There is also a case from Turtleback that will allow you to use it while in the case. That link
is:
https://turtlebacklv.com/products/orbit-writer-fitted-black-leather-case-with-protective-key-cover-and-strap-by-turtleback
If you have any questions, shoot them my way I'll be happy to help.
typing inside a phone call
Yep I do it all the time. switch to 8 dot mode works like a charm.
As a side note this will work with the apple watch
This will work with the apple watch. Just pair it like you would any other Braille display.
Dennis Long
How much are they? Just curious. Would I need to get a second mortgage? Would I need to sell my cat? When people talk about a nice device and how well it works, they never give the price.
Still no USB-C. Until they…
Still no USB-C. Until they upgrade this, I'm out.
Are issues with lag sorted? I saw earlier in the thread some were having difficulty with dropped key strokes.
Reviews of the Orbit writer for smart phones
Hi, first there is no lag when typing.
As for it not having USB C this is no big deal. I'll explain why. It isn't the only product using Micro USB on the market. Second if they were to put USBC in it would have to be redesigned. That costs money. How much that would cost I have no idea but I won't not buy a product because of that reason.
price of the orbit writer
The orbit writer is $150.
Dennis Long
Thanks. Is that a keyboard? Braille? What? I mostly use a slim folio keyboard for my iPad 9 and for the phone nothing. Learned to use the keyboard on the phone and for long messages I use my iPad. How old is it? Does it work well and is easy to use? Does it have function keys if is a keyboard? Hope you do not mind me asking.
what the Orbit Writer is
it is a braille keyboard. it has 8 Keys. You write in Braille.
Dennis Long
Thanks. The only Braille I used was the big heavy metal Braille writer that I got when I lost my sight a long time ago on a galacy far far away. It only had the Braille keys, the space bar on the middle. I was asking because I know a wonderful lady and she uses Braille and I think it might help her with using an iPhone. She is using a flip phone with buttons that she got a long time ago.
I'm certainly willing to help
I'm certainly willing to help. contact me off list.
just listened to the April 2025 Orbit zoom call
All Braille products will be switching to USB C. Just thought I would let you know that.
Does it make VO jump like…
Does it make VO jump like the Hable, i also think it might be cheaper then the Hable, the Hable was $300 CAD
Abouttime
I love USBC, Micro USB is justather really annoying
Orbit doesn't jump
The Orbit doesn't jump. It just works.
Thank Denis for info re USB-C
I don't have anything that uses micro USB. Everything I have is USB-C, hence not purchasing.
Interestingly, I had my Vario Ultra 20 converted from micro USB to USB-C. I'm not sure about the dimensions, but I think it was a fairly simple drop in so hopefully it isn't too much of a redesign.
I'll certainly pick one up when they drop with USB-C.
Could you just clarify, there are eight dots, a space bar... Are there any other navigation keys? Also, can it be paired with more than one device?
Thanks.
@Oliver
It can be paired with 5 devices. I love the little device. there is an arrow pad and dots 7 and 8.
Ah, an arrow pad is useful…
Ah, an arrow pad is useful. Thanks.
@Oliver
one other thing in the middle of the arrow pad there is a select button.
Got an email back from orbit…
Got an email back from orbit and it sounds like there are no current plans to change the orbit writer to USB-C. I'm guessing the announcement was about new products going forward?
Shame.
@ shanne
That is not correct. They might not of confirmed it because they don't have a firm release date. see this link find the April 2025 Orbit zoom call you can hear for yourself.
https://www.turner42.com/ori.html
They're probably trying to…
They're probably trying to dump old stock before shifting to the newer design.
@Oliver
That may be possible it is also possible they don't want to give a date. But as you can hear in that call it is coming. I have two with the old design I will upgrade them when the new ones come out even if I need to buy new.