Mantis Q40 QWERTY Keyboard and Braille Display
$2,695.00
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A First-Of-Its-Kind Keyboard And Refreshable Braille Display
Keep braille at your fingertips anytime, anywhere, with the Mantis Q40: a first-of-its-kind Bluetooth® keyboard and 40-cell refreshable braille display from HumanWare and APH. With the Mantis, students and professionals no longer need to choose between a keyboard or a braille device – at the same time a professional or a student is typing on the Mantis, the refreshable braille below the keyboard is providing a multimodal braille complement to the screen reader, making it easier to participate in, and succeed at school or at work.
Simple, Easy, Smart, and Enjoyable
Pair the Mantis Q40 with your screen-reader and laptop or smartphone. As you type on the Mantis’ comfortable laptop-sized keys, the refreshable braille line below the keyboard simultaneously provides braille reinforcement to your chosen screen reader via a Bluetooth or USB connection.
Use on the go as an autonomous all-in-one braille reader and notepad.
Mantis Q40 includes onboard memory and Editor application allowing you to make, save and share quick notes on the move.
Make the most of your time; Mantis’ Book Reader application allows you to open and read work documents, school assignments and the latest novel from your favourite author, in crisp refreshable braille.
The Braille Display That Answers Your Needs
HumanWare’s core mission is to offer innovative products to people with visual impairments that allow them to live independently and compete effectively in today’s world. HumanWare and APH are proud to introduce Mantis Q40, an innovative tool that answers the basic needs of people with visual impairments looking for a QWERTY keyboard with a 40-cell display to use at work or at school.
Compatible with:
- Windows 8 and above using JAWS 18+, NVDA, and Narrator
- MacOS 10.15.+ Catalina
- iOS 13.5.1+
Quick Overview
- All-in-one, full-size QWERTY laptop-style keyboard and built-in 40-cell refreshable braille display – students and professionals no longer need to sacrifice the use of braille when using a keyboard.
- Supports up to 5 Bluetooth connections, along with one USB connection.
- Functions as another device’s keyboard when connected via USB or Bluetooth; functions as a stand-alone device when not connected.
- Note-taking.
- Online library access such as Bookshare.
- Toggles between QWERTY and Perkins-style input when using the onboard smart applications only. Does not apply when connected to a host device.
- Supports .doc, .docx, .txt, .brf, and .brl files.
- Thin and lightweight, easily fits in a laptop bag or backpack.
- <Click here to review the Braille Reader Differences>
Release Notes
- <Click here to access Release Notes 2.2, March 2024>
- <Click here to access Release Notes 2.1, November 2023>
- <Click here to access Release Notes 1.2.0, October 2021>
- <Click here to access Release Notes 1.1.1, May 2021>
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.
Product Manual
About New England Low Vision and Blindness
At New England Low Vision and Blindness, we bring hope through assistive technology, personalized training, and compassionate care. As a full-service provider, we offer a wide range of solutions for individuals who are blind, have low vision, or are hard of hearing, backed by experienced Technology Rehabilitation Trainers.
With access to nearly every major technology brand and custom training services, we help clients discover the best tools to meet their personal, educational, or professional goals.
Visit our showroom or schedule a no-obligation assessment at home, school, or work for a relaxed, 1-on-1 demonstration.
