HIMS Chat 1.1

HIMS Chat is an innovative application designed to enhance face-to-face communication between Deaf-Blind individuals and sighted users. Utilizing Bluetooth connectivity with devices such as the iPhone, iPod, or iPad, it connects seamlessly with HIMS Braille Sense notetakers, including models like Braille Sense U2, Braille Sense U2 QWERTY, Braille Sense OnHand, and Braille EDGE 40.

Key Features:

• Promotes effective face-to-face communication between Deaf-Blind users and sighted individuals.
• Offers both built-in and user-created macros, enabling efficient entry of frequently used phrases with minimal keystrokes.
• Allows users to save conversations for future reference.
• Generates vibration alerts on the Braille Sense U2 when a sighted person sends a message from the connected iOS device.

Connecting Braille Sense and iPhone:

1. On the Braille Sense, activate Terminal Mode by accessing the “Utilities” menu and selecting “Terminal for Screen Reader.” Choose “Bluetooth with VoiceOver” from the connection options.
2. On the iPhone, iPod, or iPad, navigate to Settings > General > Accessibility > VoiceOver. Ensure that VoiceOver is enabled. Go to Braille settings, double-tap it, and allow the device to search for available connections.
3. Select the HIMS device. If using a Braille Sense, enter a pin code of your choice (use 0000 for Braille EDGE) and confirm by double-tapping the “Pair” button.
4. The Braille Sense will request a pin code; enter the same 4-digit code selected on the iOS device and press “Enter.”
5. A chime will confirm successful connection, followed by output appearing on the Braille display of the Braille Sense or Braille EDGE, allowing control via the Braille keyboard.

Using HIMS Chat:

1. With the Braille Sense connected through VoiceOver, launch the HIMS Chat application and select “New Chat.”
2. A greeting will prompt the sighted participant to double-tap the “OK” button to initiate a new conversation.
3. The Deaf-Blind user can commence typing, sending messages in turn with the sighted participant as desired.
4. If additional messages are needed before receiving a response, tapping the “Continue” button allows further input.
5. Conversations can be saved for subsequent reading, and macros can be utilized to quickly enter pre-saved phrases.

A comprehensive user manual is available from the main screen of HIMS Chat for detailed guidance.