Hello Everyone,

Today I purchased the AT&T Wireless Samsung Epix SGH-i907 (Blackjack 3) Smartphone running windows Mobile 6.1 Professional.  By the way, it was recently brought to my attention that the SGH-i907, released in the USA, is the same as the Samsung SGH-i780, released in Europe.

Click Here for an update to this article. 

In this article, I review the accessibility of the Samsung Epix SGH-i907 (Blackjack 3) when used with Code Factory’s Mobile Speak software,  for the blind and low vision. 

THE PRICE
At the time of this writing, even though it is possible to get the Samsung Epix for as little as $149, unsubsidized, that is with no discounts or contracts, the approximate cost of the i907 is $455, in southern California. 

WHAT’S IN THE BOX
The Epix ships with one travel charger, one USB data/power cable, one battery, one 3.5mm stereo headset adapter, one software CD, one Quick Start guide, and warranty documentation.

THE DEVICE
1.
Even though Samsung does not officially acknowledge that the Epix is the latest generation in the Blackjack series, it is clear to anyone who reviews it that, in fact, it is.

Aside from being almost identical in form factor with the same integrated QWERTY keyboard, but much more tactilely satisfying, and having the exact same accessory ports, in different locations, the i907 has almost the exact same Splash screen and sound files as the BJ2.  On the back right top corner of the model is a telescoping stylus.  When the stylus is inserted into its carrying slot, it is completely flush against the device so, unless you know its there, it is virtually invisible.

2.
The i907 is from 3 to 4 times faster than the BJ2.  I was astonished at how fast is powered up.  In fact, it rivaled my PC in its responsiveness.  Amazing.

3.
The i907 has a beautiful vibratory touch screen. That is, each time you tap the screen, it vibrates.  I was astonished with the effectiveness and seemingly natural response of the touch screen.

4.
The i907 sports a much better speaker and speaker phone than its predecessor.

5.
The phone’s hardware control keys are more easily distinguishable than the BJ2 and are in the same layout configuration.  Therefore, there is virtually no learning curve for Samsung Blackjack users.

6.
Out of the box, the navigation control functions as an onscreen mouse pointer, however, in the Settings menu, one can turn this feature off causing the control to respond as a 4-way navigation button, just like the Blackjack II.  The i907 does not have a Jog Wheel that can be turned.

7.
Unlike the BJ2, the i907 has a small recessed button on the back to release the back cover.  This is definitely an improvement over the BJ2.

8.
The SIM card slot is located in the exact same place as on the Blackjack II.

9.
Instead of being on top, the i907 power button is located on the left side of the device, just above the volume control; essentially, it is in the same place as the power/USB port is on the BJ2.

10.
The i907 uses what would be considered the extended battery when used on the original Blackjack.

NOTE 1:
Unlike many Pocket PC devices, it was not necessary to calibrate the touch screen before attempting to use the i907 for the first time.  Be that as it may, I strongly suggest that you calibrate the touch screen alignment, manually.  The screen alignment utility is located on the System Tab of the Settings menu.  Please be aware that sighted assistance is required when aligning the screen for the very first time.  I suggest that you ask your sales representative to perform the alignment calibration at the time of purchase.
GETTING STARTED
At the time of this article, updated Wednesday, October 29, 2008, I recommend the following steps be taken by a sighted user before launching Mobile Speak:

1.
Remove all but the Voice Command hardware key button assignments.  From the Settings menu, select Button. 

2.
Disable the Finger Mouse in favor of the 4-way navigation feature.  From the Settings menu, select System; then choose Finger Mouse and place a Checkmark in the box labeled 4-way Navigation button.

NOTE 2:
Please be aware that (1) the following evaluation was conducted using a public beta version of Mobile Speak, v2.146; (2) the Epix debuted in the USA only eight days prior to the date of this updated article; (3) the following is based on my experience, only, and in no way represents any conclusions, decisions, or opinions of Code Factory or any of its affiliates.

MOBILE SPEAK HARDWARE KEY ASSIGNMENTS
Upon installing MSP on the Samsung Epix, the following key assignments are selected on the bottom row of the QWERTY keyboard.  I will give the key assignments in a letter and number combination.  L = Left and R = Right.  For example, L2 refers to the second key from the left side  of the device while R2 refers to the second key from the right side of the device.

L2 = ALT
L3 = Shift
R2 = Control
R1 = Tab (Lower right most key on the keyboard)

NOTE 3:
At the time of this article, MSP touch screen commands are not available. 

NOTE 4:
At this time, installing MSP (v2.146) will disable the touch screen vibratory feedback.

ACCESSING THE SAMSUNG EPIX SGH-I907 WITH MOBILE SPEAK FOR POCKET PC
1.
The Code Factory Remote Screen Alignment utility was unsuccessful in retrieving the Epix touch screen calibration settings.

2.
Installing Mobile Speak on the Epix completed successfully and, upon completion, rebooted the phone.

3.
After the Epix was powered on, Mobile Speak automatically started successfully and correctly reported the contents of the Today/Home screen.

4.
As described in the users guide, the Start Wizard automatically launched the first time I powered on the phone after installing Mobile Speak.  The Start Wizard is a nine page utility designed to introduce various features of Mobile Speak.  At the time of this article, the Start Wizard application is not accessible.

5.
Provided that the user be familiar with MSP non-touch screen commands, the Samsung Epix is very accessible for the blind and low vision.

Conclusion
The Samsung Epix is a superior wireless device in its appearance, form factor, and feature set.  I must admit, returning to my Blackjack II is a little like returning to Flunk Bottom, Indiana (a one-horse town), after having spent the day in New York City, for the first time.  (Smile)  That’s right, “it ain’t easy.”

At the time of this updated article, I would say that 80% of the Epix phone features are screen reader accessible.  I would definitely recommend this phone for MSP intermediate and advanced users as well as technology early-adopters.

Speaking as a nonprogrammer (which should tell you how much weight my words should carry (Smile)), I am convinced that all that is needed to make Mobile Speak compatible with the AT&T Wireless Samsung Epix SGH-i907 Smartphone is some keyboard mapping adjustments.

The Samsung Epix will make a fine addition to the list of Code Factory supported devices.

Click Here for the original Epix press release. 

Mark Taylor
Tuesday, October 29, 2008