Categories: AppleElectronics

AbleNet Blue2 Bluetooth Switch Review!

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Blue2 is the most broadly utilized Bluetooth switch interface. This is widely used for tablets, phones, and computers. But before buying the AbleNet Blue2 Bluetooth Switch, it is important you know every aspect of it. Here is everything you need to know about the Bluetooth Switch interface for your computers, tablets, and mobiles.

What is Bluetooth switch access?

With Bluetooth switches, you can access and associate with your Android or iOS devices by utilizing at least one switch instead of the touchscreen. It is helpful if you can’t interact directly with your device.

What is Blue2 Bluetooth Switch?

With the Blue2, via a Bluetooth connection, you can quickly and easily connect one or two accessibility switches to your device. You get single or dual switch access via Bluetooth connection for Apple devices with iOS 7 or greater, Apple desktop or laptop with OS X Mavericks and all switch accessible apps or software: on iOS, OS X, Windows, and Android. It also works with the software on PC and laptops with Windows 10, Chromebooks and Chromeboxes with Google Chrome and Android 9 phones and tablets.

How Switch Access works?

If you are wondering how the Switch Access works, then it simply scans the items present on your screen, highlights each item one-by-one, until you make a selection. To use Switch Access, you will need one or more switches, here are the different kinds of switches:

  • External switch: It sends a keystroke signal to your Android or iOS device. A Bluetooth Switch connects to your Android device via USB or Bluetooth.
  • Keyboard: You can even get a standard USB or Bluetooth keyboard to work as a switch device. You can do this by assigning one or more of its keys to actions.
  • Use buttons on your Android device: On your device, you can assign the action to built-in buttons. You can assign it to buttons like the volume up and volume down buttons.

Blue2 4th Generation

With the latest upgrade in the AbleNet Blue2 Bluetooth Switch, you get a new model with both left and right mouse clicks. Moreover, the Bluetooth Switch now has an improved battery life, and you can check the battery level from your tablet, mobile phone, or computer. You get access to compatible applications via Bluetooth wireless technology. Also, each Blue2 has serial numbers that make it easy to pair with the correct Blue2 when multiple Blue2 are present in the same room. To start using the app with the switch, you can sync the switch with a device and activate the app’s switch scanning mode.

You can use the SoundingBoard AAC app for iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch for the Blue2 Bluetooth Switch.

You can interface both single and dual switch access through direct access utilizing the two implicit switches.

Other than that you can plug in switches into the available ports to use the Blue2 device as a Bluetooth transmitter. The Blue2 requires a switch of accessible software on the device. Although iOS 7 or newer, macOS Mavericks 10.9 or newer, and some versions of Android already include switch control software.

Features

Battery Life

You get a battery life of about 13 hours with the general use of the Blue2 Bluetooth Switch. You can follow these steps for prolonging the life of the internal battery:

  • Keep the device and its battery at room temperature.
  • Try not to completely discharge the battery.
  • When you store the device for extended periods, charge the battery to about 60% and then put it in a cool, dry place.

Switch Options (Internal and External)

You will see two built-in switches, one white and one orange. You can use them to activate two independent functions in any of the six available modes. Moreover, you can also opt to connect an alternative switch to the Blue2. For this, you can use either (or both) of the 3.5mm connections on the back. The switch connected will emulate the same function as the built-in switches, although they cannot be assigned independent functions.

Pairing Details

You can pair the Blue2 with any Bluetooth-enabled iOS, Android, Mac, Windows, or Chrome device. Depending on the device you connect, the functionality may be limited. It is designed so that other devices see it as a Bluetooth keyboard, thus the information transmitted from the Blue2 to a device is a keyboard keystroke. Here is how you can pair the Switch to a device:

  • Turn on the Blue2. 
  • Tap on the pairing button on Blue2 one time. 
  • From the Bluetooth settings on your device, select BLUE2. 
  • Keep tapping the mode button on Blue2 to select a mode.
  • In the app, you can set up any settings for your chosen method of switch access. You can even do this through accessibility options for the device.

Configuring Blue2 with iOS and MacOS Switch Control

You can pair the Blue2 to any iOS or macOS device for the accessibility option called Switch Control. It is a powerful accessibility option and allows users to quickly and effectively navigate their iOS or macOS device with the use of Blue2.

Configuring Blue2 with Android Accessibility

It can even be paired to many Android devices for Android Accessibility options. To get all the features of the AbleNet Blue2 Bluetooth Switch, you must use a device that has an Android operating system 5.0 or higher.

Configure Blue2 with an App

You will find many apps that are supported for Blue2 supported hardware. You will need to find an application that works with keyboard keystrokes.

Customizing Blue2

You can customize the Blue2 for alternative keyboard keystrokes. Here is how you can record custom key sequences to use with many switch accessible apps or simply for shortcuts to your favourite keyboard functions.

  1. Start the Blue2 Bluetooth Switch and plug in a USB keyboard. 
  2. Turn on the learn switch by moving it to the left.
  3. Select Mode 4, 5, or 6. 
  4. To start recording mode activate Switch 1, you will see the S1 light blink while in recording mode. 
  5. You can activate up to four keystrokes to Switch 1 on the USB keyboard. 
  6. Further, you can activate Switch 2 to start recording mode, you will see the S2 light blink while in recording mode. 
  7. Turn off the learn switch by moving it to the right. 
  8. Then, remove the USB keyboard. 
  9. Select your new mode to use.

Conclusion

You can use Bluetooth Switches to access the devices if you want to interact with your devices without using the touchscreen. The 4th Gen AbleNet Blue2 Bluetooth Switch has upgraded itself with better features. You get more battery life and check the battery percentage on your device. It is not only compatible with iOS devices, macOS, Android, and desktops but also lets you access compatible applications via Bluetooth wireless technology. There are two built-in switches, but if you want, you can connect an alternative switch with the Blue 2. You can customize these keys with alternatives as the information is transmitted as keyboard keystrokes to the Blue2.

If you have any questions, you can ask us in the comments section below.

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