Braille Key Talk

HotPaw Braille Key Talk is a 6-key virtual Braille keyboard for short messages. Keyboard feedback can be either using Morse Code or voice synthesis, letter-by-letter or word-by-word. Copy, Tweet, or Text Message the entered text. The use of VoiceOver is not required for voice feedback. Braille Key Talk currently supports only English Grade 1 Braille (no abbreviations).

Braille Key Talk uses the HotPaw UnTouchType virtual keyboard with dynamic floating key positions (as demonstrated at the Silicon Valley iOS DevCamp in 2011). No need to accurately touch virtual button locations, or even look at the on-screen keyboard. Just touch 6 fingers down simultaneously anywhere approximately centered on the bottom 75% of the iPads display, where you want your keys to be located, and the keyboard will automatically move over to use those positions. If your hands drift slightly while typing, they on-screen keyboard keys will even attempt to move to follow your finger position changes. You can also rest all 6 fingers on the keyboard between typing characters.

If you leave enough room below your 6 prefered touch positions, tapping them below will enter a space. You can also enter a space by swipping right, or a backspace by swipping right. Swipe downward with 2 fingers to have the text read back via voice synthesis. Swipe upwards with 2 fingers to bring up an editing menu. Works best with Multitasking Gestures turned off in the Settings app:General.

On devices running iOS 8, you can install a similar virtual Braille keyboard to use within other apps. Install using the iOS Settings app, under General:Keyboard:Keyboards:Add...

This iOS 8 Custom keyboard extension currently does not produce any sound or key clicks. The extension keyboard does not collect or store any app or keyboard input data, nor does it connect to the network.