Yes, Your Braille Computer Can Do That Now! – July 2026

This month's update is all about creating.

Whether you're writing code, composing an email, navigating your favorite podcasts, or using literary Braille in Desktop Mode, July's release gives you more ways to create, share, and get things done. And leading the way is one of the biggest additions we've ever made to BT Code.

Where Great Ideas Go Next

This month's headline feature is Code Store, a brand-new cloud repository built directly into BT Code.

Think of it as an app store, but for source code.

You can now upload your own BT Code projects for others to download, study, improve, and build upon. Likewise, you can browse projects shared by other users, download them with a few keystrokes, and immediately begin exploring how they work.

Unlike traditional app stores, Code Store distributes the complete project, including the source code. That means every download becomes a learning opportunity. Games, utilities, music projects, coding activities, and classroom resources can all be shared with the community.

This update also makes Build Mode more capable than ever, with support for installing third-party Python libraries, streamlined project management, and one-command submission to Code Store. It's a huge step toward making BT Code not just a place to learn programming, but a place where blind developers can collaborate and grow together.

Cody Found His Voice

Your coding coach is now even more helpful!

Cody can now speak during lessons, react to syntax and runtime errors, and even comment on your progress based on the personality you've selected. Need a quieter coding session? You can disable Cody's speech whenever you like.

We've also added new learning guides, quick syntax checking for individual lines of code, and a faster way to switch between your code and lesson instructions without ever leaving the editor.

Desktop Mode Learns Braille

One of the most requested features has finally arrived.

You can now use literary Braille in virtually any editable text field throughout Desktop Mode. Simply open the Braille Input editor, write naturally using contracted Braille, and your text is automatically translated and inserted back into the desktop application.

Whether you're writing an email, filling out a web form, or editing a document, Desktop Mode now feels much more like home for Braillists.

Need a Second Opinion?

Artificial intelligence is becoming an even more capable partner throughout BT Speak and BT Braille.

This update introduces several powerful new AI tools designed to help you work more efficiently. You can now ask questions about selected text, instantly rewrite passages in a different style or tone, and even describe pictures or extract text directly from image files in the File Browser.

We've also made AI more flexible by allowing you to choose which service powers these features. Continue using the Google Gemini service provided through your maintenance contract, or configure your own Google Gemini or OpenAI API key if you prefer.

Whether you're editing a document, studying an image, brainstorming ideas, or refining your writing, AI is no longer just an occasional helper. It's becoming a natural part of how you interact with your BT Speak or BT Braille every day.

Let's Skip to the Good Part

Long podcasts just became much easier to navigate.

Many podcasts now support chapter markers, allowing you to jump directly to the section you want instead of hunting through an episode manually.

We've also added the ability to import and export podcast subscriptions using OPML files, making it easy to move your favorite shows between devices or share collections with friends.

Mind Your Input

Input prompts throughout BT Speak and BT Braille just became much more capable.

Need to enter a symbol you don't use very often? You can now open a searchable list of special characters from any input prompt and quickly insert exactly what you're looking for.

We've also brought editor-style word deletion to input prompts, making it much faster to correct mistakes without deleting one character at a time. And for Braille users, input prompts now announce the active Braille input grade, giving you immediate confirmation that you're typing in the mode you expect.

They're small improvements individually, but together they make entering text throughout the system smoother and more efficient.

Where Everybody Knows Your Name

Life in BT Towne continues to grow.

This update introduces a redesigned Options menu that makes it easier to explore your surroundings, chat with other players, interact with non-player characters, examine objects, manage quests, and navigate the world.

We've also added independent volume control for NPC voices and made it possible to leave BT Towne with a simple Z-chord, making exploration more convenient than ever.

Whether you're a longtime resident or just dropping in for the first time, BT Towne has become a little easier to navigate and a lot more enjoyable to explore.

Plus a Whole Lot More

As always, this release includes dozens of quality-of-life improvements across BT Speak and BT Braille.

Highlights include previously used email address history in the Blazie email composer, Bluetooth media controls, USB headset support, calculator improvements, documentation updates, and a long list of reliability fixes throughout the system.

Every monthly update makes BT Speak and BT Braille a little more capable. This month, we're especially excited to see what our community begins creating (and sharing) through Code Store.