Brailliant BI 20X Braille Display (2yr Warranty)
$2,199.00
Need Help?
The NEW, portable 20-cell refreshable braille display is the perfect companion to any mobile device that makes reading enjoyable while keeping you connected on the go. The Brailliant BI 20X Braille Display is a portable, connected 20-cell refreshable braille display and the perfect companion to any mobile device!
User-driven experience with every stroke
KeySoft Lite is a user-friendly interface that lets you accomplish daily tasks through its onboard KeySoft suite of applications. It powers the Brailliant BI 20X providing an intuitive transition to those who have previously used any KeySoft-enabled HumanWare device.
Customizable braille experience
Have full control over your writing and reading experience by selecting the braille table of your choice. Hide or show applications by customizing KeySofts Lite Main Menu and configure thumb keys to match your braille reading preference. The Brailliant BI X series gives you flexibility through its storage options and the included onboard braille translation ensures compatibility with various file types. Saving, opening and transferring data could not be easier.
Carry your library in your pocket and read at your speed!
Connect via your Wi-Fi-enabled Brailliant BI 20X and use the Victor Reader app to download resources instantly from online libraries such as Bookshare, NLS BARD, NFB Newsline and many more to follow. Read a book effortlessly using the HumanWare signature thumb keys, or through the enabling of Automatic scrolling that will refresh the braille display to your reading speed.
Get Creative
Take notes during your meeting using the KeySoft Lite editor application, KeyPad. Easily switch to your connected screen reader to send emails or a text. The ergonomic keyboard of your Brailliant BI 20X, adds to the enjoyment of writing comfortably and in near silence.
Quick Overview
- 20 cell refreshable braille display with standalone applications
- Connect to 5 Bluetooth devices and 1 USB as a braille display
- KeySoft Lite – Intuitive and seamless user experience with standalone productive applications
- Flexible on storage – All application standalone easily accessible without external storage.
- 16GB Internal useable storage
- SD card / USB
- Onboard braille translation, allows translating braille to print and vice versa
- Switches between braille grades to aid users build proficiency in contracted braille.
- Daisy book player
- Victor Reader application– Instantly download resources from Bookshare, NLS BARD and other libraries
- Supports various file types including DOCX, DOC, TXT, BRF, BRL, and more
- Basic notetaking – Use the ergonomic and silent Perkins style keyboard for making notes during meetings and classes.
- Lightweight and easy to carry with the included carry case. The perfect braille companion on the go.
- Exam mode, removes access to the internal storage during an exam environment
- More to come: Audio support will soon follow from a free upgrade. Listen to audiobooks, extending the availability to your favorite books and novels.
- Dimensions : 93mm(3.3’) X 182mm(7.2’) X 23mm(0.9’)
- Weight: 400g
- The following system languages are supported: English, French FR, French CA, German, Dutch
- <Click here to review the Braille Reader Differences>
Release Notes
Version 2.2 – Brailliant BI X and Mantis Q40 Update – Streamlined operations for peak productivity
Terminal only mode
The latest firmware update caters to the diverse preferences of braille display users. Some appreciate connecting to multiple devices and using onboard functionality through KeySoft Lite, while others simply need basic terminal functions to connect to a computer or mobile device.
Considering this feedback, we’re introducing a new feature to transform your Brailliant BI X or Mantis Q40 into a streamlined braille terminal mode.
This option removes onboard functions, simplifying connection via USB or Bluetooth to your preferred screen reader, catering to users seeking a straightforward experience. Reverting to full functionality is easy, allowing you to customize your experience.
Here are a few motivations for switching your braille display to the simplified Braille Terminal-only mode:
- Reducing complexity and distractions, particularly for students.
- Lack of use for onboard applications.
- Primarily using the braille display for computer or mobile device connectivity.
Click here to view the How to guide on enabling the terminal-only mode
Power Configuration
Ensuring prolonged connectivity when needed, the latest update introduces a new Power Auto-Off feature, allowing efficient management of battery usage. Improving battery life is essential for devices like Brailliant and Mantis, providing more time for reading braille when necessary. For further details on preserving your battery, refer to the how-to guide – Adjusting Auto Power off.
New: Eole French Digital Library Service
Continuing our expansion of the Victor Reader Library service across Europe, we are excited to introduce Eole, one of the largest French-language digital libraries, providing our users with access to even more book content. Exclusive to the Brailliant BI X range, the app Victor Reader now incorporates Eole services via audio only.
<Click here to access Release Notes 2.2, March 2024>
How do you update your device?
When connected to Wi-Fi, the Brailliant BI X and MantisQ40 devices will see a notification that a system update is available. Simply press ENTER to acknowledge the notification and select OK to download the update. If the notification does not appear, follow these steps:
- Ensure you are connected to Wi-Fi.
- (Braillant devices) from the Main Menu, press Space with O to jump to the options menu.(Mantis device) press O.
- Then press “s” for software update, followed by pressing Enter.
- Press “C” to check for updates and press Enter.
Version 2.1 – Brailliant BI X and Mantis Q40 Update – More text-to-speech voices and expanded libraries
Brailliant BI X
We are happy to unveil yet another advancement for Brailliant BI X displays and Mantis Q40. Experience more text-to-speech voices and expanded online libraries(Brailliant BI X only) This update introduces exciting enhancements, offering additional text-to-speech (TTS) voices that enable personalization according to your preferred language. Furthermore, the Victor Reader application now has access to an extended range of online Daisy libraries, providing you with a seamless opportunity to immerse yourself in your favourite literary works with ease and enjoyment. Click here to view the snapshot Video Tutorial
Mantis Q40 Sticky Keys
We are also excited to present the inclusion of Sticky Keys for the Mantis Q40, which allows individuals who operate the device with a single hand to achieve seamless control and navigation. Kindly note that the Mantis Q40 does not possess audio capabilities, thus excluding features like TTS and Daisy Online. Please refer to the release notes for a comprehensive list of available libraries. Click here for the full release notes
How do you update your device?
When connected to Wi-Fi, the Brailliant BI X and MantisQ40 devices will see a notification that a system update is available. Simply press ENTER to acknowledge the notification and select OK to download the update. If the notification does not appear, follow these steps:
- Ensure you are connected to Wi-Fi.
- (Braillant devices) from the Main Menu, press Space with O to jump to the options menu.(Mantis device) press O.
- Then press “s” for software update, followed by pressing Enter.
- Press “C” to check for update and press Enter.
Version 2.0 – Brailliant BI X and Mantis Q40 Update – KeySoft Lite
HumanWare announces the launch of a significant KeySoft Lite update to the Brailliant BI X braille displays, including unlocking audio capabilities, a new braille editor application, and improvements to the terminal connectivity.
Mantis Q40 also inherits the latest update but will not include audio capabilities since the device does not have audio components. “It’s with great pleasure that we can continue to drive braille displays forward with additional capabilities that allow us to break down more barriers and give our customer base more value. Since the launch of the Brailliant BI X, one of the questions many people ask is about the stereo speakers and audio jacks that are available on these devices with no use. Today is the start of unlocking audio capabilities, and I am excited to say it’s just the beginning. We have also significantly improved the terminal to allow a more seamless connection to use as a braille display.” says Andrew Flatres, Product Manager.
New KeySoft Lite Braille editor application
Braille, braille, and braille, who doesn’t use braille files. The latest update brings full native braille file support, allowing creation and reading without requiring translation. A quick shortcut to create braille files on the go is also welcomed. Click here to view the video tutorial: Export Braille files from KeyBrf
Victor Reader now supports unprotected DAISY and NISO audiobooks
The start of audio capabilities has risen from the introduction of playback to unprotected Daisy and NISO audiobooks. Listen and browse through DAISY books using various navigable elements provided by the book. Click here to find out how to play unprotected Daisy and NISO audiobooks
Terminal improvements
The addition of new user settings to detect the connection to a computer makes it easier to switch to the braille terminal. Disabling the braille keyboard and a more straightforward approach to establishing a Bluetooth pairing and improves switching between connected devices. Click here to view a snapshot video tutorial: New Editor and user settings
New Global shortcuts
Switching between applications now being possible allows one to quickly jump to a specific application without returning to the main menu. Click here for the video tutorial: Version 2 New Global shortcuts
Localization
This update brings further localization for the Brailliant BI X, including Hebrew and Ukrainian. Polish has also been added to the Mantis Q40.
Brailliant BI X: Text-to-Speech Update (TTS) has finally arrived on the Brailliant BI X series.
The BI X braille displays are the first to include text-to-speech, bringing you one step closer to a hybrid note-taking experience. The latest update unlocks text-to-speech capabilities for the BI 20X and BI 40X braille displays introducing a limited number of voices, including English, French, and Spanish. HumanWare plans to later include the option to download voices in other languages in the future.
What to expect with this new update?
When you update your Brailliant BI X, text-to-speech will be enabled according to your system language. If your system language is English, Spanish or French, it will be selected by default for the text-to-speech.
New options menu item called “Speech settings”
Upon installing the update, a new Speech settings item will appear under the Options menu. This new sub-menu will allow you to turn on and off various text-to-speech options and select your voices.
Click here to view a snapshot video – Overview of the speech settings
Helping you be more proficient in braille
With the new text-to-speech feature, it is possible to learn and understand new braille contractions. An option in the new speech settings allows you to hear the word under the cursor to have the text-to-speech announce the word you may not be familiar with. This can be very helpful when transitioning from uncontracted to contracted braille.
Click here to view a snapshot video: Using the Speak word under cursor feature
Stay in control of your text-to-speech
With new shortcuts to quickly turn speech on and off, you can always control how you want to utilize text-to-speech. You can also disable text-to-speech in the menus and limit its use to reading content from the KeyPad or Victor Reader application.
New shortcuts
- To start reading with text-to-speech, press Space + G
- To stop reading with text-to-speech, press Enter + Backspace
- To toggle text-to-speech on and off, press Space + Previous thumb key
The new setting within your language profile
Each language profile you create can have a different text-to-speech voice. Although limited to 2 voices, you can seamlessly switch between your language profiles and use the configured voice. If you are learning a foreign language like French, for example, you will need two different voices.You could have one language profile using the French voice with the correct braille table, and another profile using your English voice and braille table. Switching between two voices is a shortcut away.
Click here to view a snapshot video: Changing your content text-to-speech voice
How do I update my device?
The Brailliant BI X devices will silently download the activation key if connected to Wi-Fi. The next time you start the device, text-to-speech will be activated, provided you are using English, Spanish or a French language in the system. If you are unable to connect to the Wi-Fi, then follow these steps:
- Download the setTTSonbypass file and place the file on the root of an SD card or USB thumb drive.
- Insert the SD card or USB drive into the device.
- The Brailliant will detect the file and the system will reboot.
- After the reboot, the TTS is activated (provided French, English or Spanish system language is in use).
- Enjoy the new update!
What the experts are saying:
- Access to the menus with speech
- Helps with braille learners
- Listen to a book
- Listen to a document that you wrote on the notepad
- People like me that are not the best braille readers can access the menus easier
- Download and read books
- Access to BookShare
- NFB Newsline
- NLS BARD (Text Only)”
The Brailliant BI X series of braille displays are available in two (2) options:
1. Brailliant BI 20X Braille Display
The NEW, portable 20-cell refreshable braille display is the perfect companion to any mobile device that makes reading enjoyable while keeping you connected on the go. The Brailliant BI 20X Braille Display is a portable, connected 20-cell refreshable braille display and the perfect companion to any mobile device! Learn more about Brailliant BI 20X Braille Display
2. Brailliant BI 40X Braille Display
The new, future-ready 40-cell refreshable braille display is designed with connectivity and productivity in mind. With the introduction of Bluetooth 5 Wireless technology, the Brailliant BI 40X is the first to market braille display to take advantage of the robust and reliable connection, allowing for a pairing that is 2x faster and capable of 4x the distance over previous Bluetooth technology. The Brailliant BI 40X connects to multiple devices at once and delivers a smarter, more user-friendly experience to new refreshable braille display users. Learn more about Brailliant BI 20X Braille Display
Product Manual
About New England Low Vision and Blindness
New England Low Vision and Blindness uniquely brings hope through technology, training, and care. We are a full-service assistive technology rehabilitation training provider. We offer nearly 100% of all major electronic low vision, blindness, and software products, multiple assistive technology showrooms and a team of Vision Technology Rehabilitation Trainers to help anyone who is visually impaired.
We provide ‘patient choice’ showcasing numerous technology options from the world’s most respected suppliers, all in line with one’s individualized budgetary limits and personal, educational, or professional goals. We also provide custom training solutions and troubleshooting support.
Widely known, tested, and trusted throughout New England, our team brings 75+ years of low and blindness vision experience. Our talent, technology, and training offerings are unmatched and highly respected. We are an extremely unique and extraordinary resource for anyone suffering from vision loss in New England. We are here to help.
Through our no-obligation demonstrations - either at one of our conveniently located assistive technology showrooms or in their home, office, or school - clients experience a relaxed 2-hour no-obligation personal demonstration of almost 100% of all low vision and blindness technologies available on the market.
To learn more about how we Bring Hope to people who are blind or with low vision, contact a Technology Specialist at New England Low Vision and Blindness please call our toll-free number 888-211-6933 or email us at info@nelowvision.com. You can also use the form above to request information about our services or a no-obligation demonstration on this or any of our products.
