For many of us, technology has been a constant companion, evolving alongside our lives. Like many, I’ve always been drawn to gadgets, from early cassette recorders to today’s sophisticated devices. While I might not have started a bedroom radio station like some, I certainly spent hours experimenting with audio, a hobby that, thankfully, predates easily shareable digital formats!
Back in 2007, HumanWare released the Victor Reader Stream, and I was instantly captivated. This compact device promised a world of accessible content – text and audio – in a user-friendly, portable package. It delivered on that promise, becoming my go-to gadget for years.
When the New Generation Victor Reader Stream arrived, upgrading was a no-brainer, even though my original Stream was still going strong. This new version brought internet connectivity, opening up direct downloads, internet radio, and seamless access to digital magazines like AccessWorld.
Even as smartphones, particularly the iPhone, became ubiquitous, I held a nostalgic fondness for my Stream. Yet, I noticed it spending more time in my desk drawer. The rise of BARD, Audible, Voice Dream Reader, and countless music streaming apps meant my iPhone could handle almost all my audio needs. Days went by where the Stream remained untouched.
Eventually, a need for some extra income led me to declutter my home office. Regrettably, I hadn’t removed the battery from my first-generation Stream before storing it – or taken it out of its leather case. The combination of time, battery leakage, and possibly the leather case’s oils, rendered it unusable, leaving a sticky residue. Lesson learned. Fortunately, my second-generation Stream was in perfect condition. I sold it online for a fair price, feeling a pang of nostalgia as it went to a new home. I was, after all, fully immersed in the Apple ecosystem and assumed I no longer needed a dedicated device.
However, life has a funny way of bringing you back to old friends. Over the months that followed, I started noticing the strain on my phone’s battery from constant use. More than that, the incessant notifications – breaking news alerts (often about celebrity poodles!), text messages, and calls – constantly interrupted my reading and listening. Even with my phone locked in my pocket during audiobook sessions, the urge to check every notification became disruptive. Unlock, stop the book, address the alert, restart, lock, pocket – repeat ad nauseam.
Beyond the battery drain and notification bombardment, I found myself missing the Stream for specific tasks. Sometimes, I wanted to listen to audio content I didn’t need to keep long-term. Or, I needed to set multiple bookmarks and quickly jump between them while taking notes – features readily available on smartphones, but somehow less streamlined for my workflow. A dedicated device, I realized, would free up my phone for other tasks and offer focused functionality. The Stream’s impressive 15-hour battery life meant I could recharge on my schedule, not dictated by a dwindling phone battery at inconvenient moments. I also missed the simplicity of loading an SD card with random content and being ready to go, bypassing the sometimes-fickle process of syncing through cloud services like Dropbox, only to find content wasn’t available offline when needed. Finally, there was the tactile satisfaction of physical buttons. As a proficient iPhone user, I’m comfortable with touchscreens, but for quickly navigating through books, music, and menus, physical controls are often more efficient.
So, I made the decision to buy another New Generation Victor Reader Stream. It’s proven invaluable. I’ve loaded it with tutorials, including lengthy archives of my CAVI classes on Reaper, the audio editing software I use daily. These large MP3 files, which sometimes caused Voice Dream Reader to struggle, play flawlessly on the Stream. I still use Audible and BARD on my phone and Stream, but Bookshare content now primarily resides on my dedicated player. NFB Newsline and AccessWorld are also enjoyed on the Stream. I appreciate the flexibility to read AccessWorld directly online or download it to an SD card for offline access.
Victor Reader Stream New Generation in a right angle view, highlighting its compact design and button layout, suitable for users seeking dedicated audio streaming solutions.
One undeniable drawback of the Victor Reader Stream is its price. At around $350, it’s a significant investment. While it’s a specialized device packed with features for visually impaired users, the cost can be prohibitive. Justifying the expense can be particularly challenging for those who already own smartphones that seemingly offer similar functionality.
Interestingly, a recent episode of the Double Tap Canada podcast delved into this very debate, sparking a lively discussion within the blind community. Some argue against the need for a dedicated device like the Stream, believing smartphones suffice. Others, like myself, maintain that it still holds significant value.
For those hesitant about the new price, the good news is that many people sell both original and New Generation Victor Reader Streams in excellent condition at more affordable prices. If internet connectivity isn’t a priority, a first-generation unit might perfectly meet your needs.
This topic undoubtedly evokes strong opinions. Some readers might disagree with almost every point I’ve made. Others will find their own experiences reflected in my words. Your perspectives are welcome, and respectful dialogue is encouraged. There are truly no right or wrong answers here; it’s about finding what best suits your individual needs and preferences for accessing audio content.
Product Information
Product: New Generation Victor Reader Stream
Company: HumanWare
Price: $395 from HumanWare
Phone: (800) 722-3393
HumanWare is a Canadian company with global distributors. Dealers may offer the Stream at prices lower than the website listing.
Explore HumanWare’s YouTube channel for training videos on their products, including the BrailleNote Touch Plus and popular Braille displays.
This article is partially funded by the James H. and Alice Teubert Charitable Trust.
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