[
    {
        "role": "user",
        "content": "can%20you%20give%20me%20customer%20reviews%20of%20Human%20Ware%20Braille%20Hardware%20and%20customer%20support"
    },
    {
        "role": "assistant",
        "content": "Here\u2019s a breakdown of what customers say about *HumanWare*\u2019s Braille hardware and support. I've gathered feedback from reviews, forums, and support documentation to highlight both positives and criticisms.\n\n---\n\n## \u2705 What people like\n\n### Product quality\n\n- Many users find HumanWare\u2019s braille displays solid and well-constructed, especially the larger ones. For instance, someone said that the 20- and 40-cell HumanWare models are \u201cvery quiet\u201d compared to other displays.([groups.io](https://groups.io/g/braille-display-users/topic/85301769?utm_source=openai))  \n- In a newer review of the *Brailliant BI 40X*, users praised how it felt right out of the box\u2014easy setup, responsive keyboard, and satisfying tactile feedback.([afb.org](https://www.afb.org/aw/22/7/17621?utm_source=openai))\n\n### Key features and usability\n\n- Fast and reliable cell refresh: Users expect, and report, minimal delays or lag.([applevis.com](https://www.applevis.com/reviews/humanware-brailliant-bi-14-display?utm_source=openai))  \n- Good keyboard layout: Thumb keys and command keys receive particular praise. Of course, there are mixed feelings depending on typing speed and precision.([afb.org](https://www.afb.org/aw/22/7/17621?utm_source=openai))  \n- Strong integration with certain systems like NLS BARD (for accessing digital braille library content).([afb.org](https://www.afb.org/aw/22/7/17621?utm_source=openai))\n\n---\n\n## \u26a0\ufe0f Common criticisms and frustrations\n\n### Hardware/design issues\n\n- The **Brailliant 14** was seen by some as holding back in certain respects. Critiques include the use of plastic rather than metal build, mushy keys (especially the spacebar), and the omission or replacement of hardware buttons with touch-sensitive sensors that don\u2019t always respond reliably.([applevis.com](https://www.applevis.com/reviews/humanware-brailliant-bi-14-display?utm_source=openai))  \n- Users also complain about unwanted \u201cextras\u201d like characters appearing (spaces, commas) when typing, which they believe is due to either Bluetooth issues or key sensitivity.([applevis.com](https://www.applevis.com/reviews/humanware-brailliant-bi-14-display?utm_source=openai))\n\n### Software and compatibility\n\n- *BrailleNote Touch Plus* has been criticized for running an outdated Android version (Android 8.1), which leads to compatibility issues\u2014Wi-Fi problems, inability to run newer apps, or limited access to Google services.([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/Blind/comments/17wrfvd?utm_source=openai))  \n- Some share that file format compatibility is an issue. For example, *BrailleNote Apex*, while versatile, struggles\u2014or even fails\u2014to work well with certain document types, like newer Word files, and lacks a global search function.([afb.org](https://www.afb.org/aw/13/4/15822?utm_source=openai))\n\n---\n\n## \ud83d\udcde Customer support and updates\n\n### Official support\n\n- HumanWare maintains a support page with FAQs, manuals, and product-specific help.([humanware.com](https://www.humanware.com/support/?utm_source=openai))  \n- They list both global and regional contact options\u2014phone and email\u2014for various areas including North America, Europe, and Asia/Australia.([files.ltalk.net](https://files.ltalk.net/download/Docs_Help/BrailliantBI40_Manual.pdf?utm_source=openai))\n\n### What customers report\n\n**Positives:**\n\n- Some users say that HumanWare eventually resolves problems, especially when it comes to firmware issues or driver problems. One Redditor noted how HumanWare fixed a connectivity issue with a display driver after getting stuck on wrong port detection.([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/Blind/comments/1c75jra?utm_source=openai))  \n- The Brailliant BI 40X has been praised for relatively smooth initial onboarding\u2014connecting to Wi-Fi, downloading guides, and getting started without too many roadblocks.([afb.org](https://www.afb.org/aw/22/7/17621?utm_source=openai))\n\n**Negatives / drawbacks:**\n\n- Long wait times: Several people mention being on hold for extended periods without responses.([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/Blind/comments/142gqmu?utm_source=openai))  \n- Support gaps: Users report that while major problems eventually get attention, smaller issues or requests often require repeated follow-ups. Some feel that support could be more proactive.([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/Blind/comments/142gqmu?utm_source=openai))  \n- Lifecycle concerns: Especially with older models, users feel that devices are being left behind regarding updates. The outdated OS on BrailleNote Touch Plus is a prime example.([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/Blind/comments/17wrfvd?utm_source=openai))\n\n---\n\n## \ud83d\udd0d Bottom line\n\nHumanWare\u2019s braille hardware is generally well-regarded\u2014especially for its build quality, feature set, and what you get relative to the price. Still, there are noticeable pain points, especially with:\n\n- firmware/drivers and OS updates\n- older devices not being supported as well\n- parts of the product design (keys, sensors, etc.) not always meeting expectations\n\nSupport is usually helpful, but the journey to a resolution sometimes requires patience and persistence.\n\n---\n\nIf you want, I can pull up *recent* user reviews (past 6\u201312 months) of *specific models* (e.g. BI 40X, Mantis Q40) so you can see what current owners are saying. Do you want me to do that?"
    },
    {
        "role": "user",
        "content": "could%20you%20now%20compare%20the%20Human%20Ware%20reviews%20with%20the%20reviews%20of%20Hims%2C%20Selvas%20BLV%20Products%20and%20support"
    },
    {
        "role": "assistant",
        "content": "Here\u2019s a comparative look at customer feedback on three major players in the refreshable braille/display & note-taking space: HumanWare, HIMS (now known as Selvas BLV), and straight HIMS before the rebrand. I\u2019ve pulled from recent reviews, forums, product manuals, and company info to compare strengths and weaknesses around hardware, software, and support.\n\n---\n\n## \ud83d\udd0d Key Players\n\n- **HumanWare** \u2014 Known for the *Brailliant*, *BrailleNote*, *Mantis* lines.  \n- **HIMS**, rebranded to **Selvas BLV**, still delivers many HIMS product lines (e.g. BrailleSense, QBraille XL, Braille eMotion).  \n- \u201c**HIMS (pre-Selvas rebrand)**\u201d refers to older products, older software, older hardware under the original name. Some customers contrast the newer Selvas BLV offerings with these older HIMS models.\n\n---\n\n## \u2699\ufe0f Hardware and Feature Comparisons\n\n| Feature | HumanWare | Selvas BLV / HIMS |\n|---|---|---|\n| **Display-cell options** | Broad range: small (14-cell) to larger 32/40/80-cell displays. Users like BI-14, BI-40X, etc. ([afb.org](https://afb.org/aw/19/4/15107?utm_source=openai)) | Similar range: e.g. *Braille eMotion* (40 cells), *BrailleSense 6*, *QBraille XL* also 40 cells. ([selvasblv.com](https://selvasblv.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/DIGITALBraille-eMotion-Brochure.pdf?utm_source=openai)) |\n| **Keyboard and input style** | Traditional Perkins style on many models; varying praise for key feel (some \u201cmushy\u201d, especially spacebar on certain models) ([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/Blind/comments/1ij6d10?utm_source=openai)) | QBraille XL blends Perkins plus full QWERTY + function row. Many like the hybrid \u201ckey commands\u201d approach. ([selvasblv.com](https://selvasblv.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/DIGITALQBraille-XL-Brochure.pdf?utm_source=openai)) |\n| **Software / OS** | Mixed feedback: some praise for good firmware updates (especially for newer models), but older models (e.g. BrailleNote Touch Plus) criticized for using Android 8.1 and lagging behind modern software expectations. ([afb.org](https://www.afb.org/aw/20/7/16711?utm_source=openai)) | Selvas BLV appears more aggressive in updating Android on newer devices; user reviews of *BrailleSense 6* note Android 12 and newer firmware. But some complaints still about infrequent updates. ([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/Blind/comments/1ij6d10?utm_source=openai)) |\n| **Connectivity & multitasking** | Supports Bluetooth + USB; ability to switch between devices is a plus. Users appreciate stable pairing and simultaneous connections on modern HumanWare displays. | eMotion: 1 USB + 5 Bluetooth connections; QBraille XL can connect to 6 Bluetooth + USB. Strong for multi-device workflows. ([selvasblv.com](https://selvasblv.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/DIGITALBraille-eMotion-Brochure.pdf?utm_source=openai)) |\n\n---\n\n## \ud83d\udde3\ufe0f Customer Support & Maintenance\n\n| Aspect | HumanWare | Selvas BLV / HIMS |\n|---|---|---|\n| **Support responsiveness** | Mixed. Some users report good support (\u201ceventually resolves firmware/driver issues\u201d), others complain of long wait times, especially for smaller issues. ([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/Blind/comments/17wrfvd?utm_source=openai)) | Again mixed: some testimonials of helpful support; but some users say software update cadence is too slow, which affects usability. Also, official support contacts (phone/email) are clearly given. ([nerdyshiqueuniverse.wordpress.com](https://nerdyshiqueuniverse.wordpress.com/2025/08/14/blind-tech-quadrant-review-on-the-braille-e-motion-from-selvas-blv/?utm_source=openai)) |\n| **Lesson from reddit / forums** | People with HumanWare mention issues like hardware inconsistency (key feel, sensors), and sometimes needing to send devices in for repair. ([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/Blind/comments/1n3i4ft?utm_source=openai)) | Users like *Selvas BLV\u2019s* eMotion and BrailleSense 6 for improved battery life, better support, and more modern OS; but some are still waiting on promised updates or finding gaps in firmware. ([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/Blind/comments/1ij6d10?utm_source=openai)) |\n| **Documentation & offline resources** | Generally good for newer models. HumanWare\u2019s tutorials are appreciated, though older products may have less updated documentation. ([afb.org](https://www.afb.org/aw/20/7/16711?utm_source=openai)) | Selvas BLV offers recent manuals, firmware release notes, download centers, trade-in programs, etc. It indicates a more systematic updates/support infrastructure. ([selvasblv.com](https://selvasblv.com/?utm_source=openai)) |\n\n---\n\n## \ud83d\udd26 Distinctions & Tradeoffs\n\n**What HumanWare does well:**\n\n- Established reputation; wide product line; many users report durable machines.  \n- Key features like well-refined braille cells, solid connectivity, and good documentation (especially for newer devices).  \n- Strong presence among users who want reliable mainstream options.\n\n**What Selvas BLV (HIMS rebranded) seems to offer more of lately:**\n\n- More modern OS versions on newer devices. E.g. *BrailleSense 6* recently updated to Android 12. ([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/Blind/comments/1ij6d10?utm_source=openai))  \n- More simultaneous connectivity (multi-Bluetooth + USB) on devices like eMotion and QBraille XL.  \n- Active firmware & manual releases; trade-in programs showing commitment to evolving product line. ([selvasblv.com](https://selvasblv.com/?utm_source=openai))  \n\n---\n\n## \u26a0\ufe0f Where both/each have drawbacks\n\n- **Latency in updates**: Even with newer OS offerings from Selvas BLV, customers expect faster/frequent firmware updates. Delays frustrate users when bugs persist. ([nerdyshiqueuniverse.wordpress.com](https://nerdyshiqueuniverse.wordpress.com/2025/08/14/blind-tech-quadrant-review-on-the-braille-e-motion-from-selvas-blv/?utm_source=openai))  \n- **Hardware compromises**: Some HumanWare devices have been criticized for certain component quality (spacebar, sensors, etc.). Selvas BLV has fewer such comments, but their newer devices have thicker price tags, raising concerns for value.  \n\n---\n\n## \u2705 Overall Comparison Summary\n\n- **HumanWare** likely remains more dependable *hardware-wise*, especially for people who want low risk, known quality, and existing user base / resale/repair infrastructure.  \n- **Selvas BLV (post-HIMS)** appears strong when it comes to **innovation**, **modern software support**, and features that support multi-device workflows. If you prioritize the newest OS, connectivity, and updated firmware, they might have the edge.  \n\n---\n\nIf you tell me which features matter most for *you* (e.g. software updates, battery life, multi-device support, cost, size), I can recommend which brand/model might match your priorities best."
    }
]