Do I need to know braille in order to use the Hable?
No. Although the Hable utilizes a braille keyboard for text input, you don’t need to know braille in order to use it to enjoy your phone. Users without any braille knowledge can navigate their device more efficiently. Moreover, they can initiate dictation with a single button and perform more advanced navigational tasks with a few intuitive commands. Those users who do know braille will enjoy more control and efficiency with the device.
What is the difference between the Hable and a braille display?
The Hable One is strictly an input device and does not include any braille pins to display any braille. Hable One users will utilize their screen reader audio to control and navigate their device.
Will the Hable allow me to control every feature of my phone?
Hable One allows you to control your device’s screen reader. Anything that your screen reader can do, the Hable should help you do with physical buttons.
How easy is it to learn to use? Is there a learning curve?
Most users report a minor learning curve, and they start enjoying the Hable very quickly. However, the Hable One is unique in that it allows you to type while standing up. This keyboard layout can take some time to get used to for some users. Like anything though, your speed and comfort with the device will increase with use.
What is the benefit of using a braille keyboard instead of using gestures with my phone’s features, like VoiceOver and TalkBack?
Some users report difficulty controlling their phone with touchscreen gestures. Having a keyboard enables more precise and efficient control for many. If someone can type in braille, they’ll enjoy the ability to not have to rely on dictation when composing notes, text messages, or emails. Moreover, the device allows you to keep your phone in your pocket or somewhere else.
How can I learn more about the Hable One?
Check out our recent blog post here. We discuss keyboards that can help blind and low vision individuals, including the Hable One!
What is it like to hold and type on the hable One?
With its compact and contoured design, the Hable One is a lot fun to hold and type on. If you’re familiar with the screen away mode for braille screen input for iOS, typing on the Hable will feel similar. Rather than typing on a touch screen, you’re gaining the satisfaction on precision that comes from physical buttons. As you grab the hable, you’ll want the keys to be facing away from you. Both sets of your index, middle, and ring fingers will be resting on the main keys.
Your thumbs will be gripping the back of the device and you may choose to rest your pinkies or use them to help hold the device. If it sounds odd to you at first, you may be surprised at how fast you learn to love it.
Do you have to type backwards or in “upside-down” braille?
It may sound like it, but each finger will be typing the same braille dots that they normally do. If this is too confusing, the device does allow you to reverse the layout of the keys
Does the Hable One function as an iPhone braille keyboard?
Yes, you can use the Hable's 6-dot braille input to control your iPhone! Instead of feeling tactile braille feedback like you would from a braille display, you will receive auditory feedback from your iPhone's built-in accessibility feature, VoiceOver.
