The RNIB Accord is our most advanced audio device: a combination USB player and Bluetooth speaker designed specifically for blind and partially sighted users. With easy to use tactile controls, easy to locate ports, automatic bookmarking and chapter skipping, it makes everyday listening simple, whether that is a Talking Book, a podcast or your favourite playlist.
In this guide we cover what the Accord can do, the thoughtful design details that make it so easy to use, and answers to the questions we hear most often, so you can get the very best from your player.
What can the RNIB Accord do?
Small (just a little larger than a standard coffee mug) and highly portable, the Accord lets you listen to Talking Books on USB and any other audio via Bluetooth, including podcasts, BBC Sounds, Audible audiobooks, and your dance like nobody is watching playlist. If your smartphone or tablet can play it, you can listen to it on the RNIB Accord.
The rechargeable battery provides five to six hours of listening on a full charge, and you charge the Accord via the USB C port on top of the player using the supplied cable.
With its two high quality diaphragm speakers, the Accord is the perfect way to enjoy your favourite things in the living room, kitchen, garden or shed. You can even pair two Accords via Bluetooth for a multi speaker experience.
Weighing only 384g, it moves easily with you as you go about your day, and it comes with a lanyard attached for extra security.
Designed to be found by touch
Stylish and modern looking, the Accord has a black case with high contrast tactile controls.
Power and volume are controlled by a 1 x 1cm knob which clicks to indicate power on and off. Volume increases and decreases as you turn the dial.
Two large, tactile plus and minus buttons on the front let you skip forwards and backwards through tracks. Each triangular button has a white, tactile ridge to make it easy to locate and identify through touch.
The play and pause button and all ports sit on top of the device for ease of use. The white play and pause button is raised about 1.5mm, making it easy to feel, and all controls and ports are outlined in white to contrast with the black case.
A NaviLens sticker on the back means you can access the product instructions easily. Simply scan the sticker with the free NaviLens app to hear the instructions read aloud. Large print instructions are also supplied as standard.
Voice prompts keep you informed
The Accord speaks to you in a clear, natural, English male voice to let you know about battery, Bluetooth, charging and software update status. It also announces when headphones, a USB stick or an SD card are connected or disconnected, and when a control button is used, for example "power on" or "skip track forwards". Changes in volume are not announced.
Pick up exactly where you left off
Bookmarking is automatic. Whenever you pause or stop the player, your position in the book you are reading is saved. Remove the USB stick and reinsert it, and the Accord starts playing from the point you left off. Up to 10 bookmarks can be stored.
Find your next favourite book
Your Accord is the perfect companion to the RNIB Library, where you can borrow thousands of Talking Books free of charge. Search the RNIB Library Catalogue for your favourite titles and authors, from the latest bestsellers to timeless classics, and discover your next great listen.
Common questions answered
Like any device, there are a few things worth knowing to keep your Accord running perfectly. Here are the questions we hear most often, with simple steps to sort them in minutes.
My Accord will not turn on or does not seem to be charging
This is almost always the battery protecting itself. If you hear the battery low announcement twice, charge the unit after the second voice prompt. If the battery level drops below 3.3 volts, the speaker is muted until it charges back up, and during this time the player can appear as though it is not charging at all. Do not worry, it is working away in the background.
- Plug the USB C charging cable into the player.
- Leave it on charge for at least 15 minutes.
- Keep the charger plugged in and press the power button to turn the player on.
If the battery was completely drained, the player may need up to 30 minutes on charge before it turns on.
The player still does not respond
If the player does not turn on after charging for one hour, try the following:
- Check the charger cable is firmly plugged in.
- Try a different wall socket.
- Make sure the power is switched on at the socket.
- Try a different USB C charging cable.
My USB memory stick is not playing any books
If your USB memory stick is not working, it may need to be reformatted. Reformatting removes everything from the stick, so before you start, save your books on your computer.
How to reformat a USB memory stick on a Windows PC:
- Put the USB stick into your computer.
- Open File Explorer.
- Locate the USB stick in the list of drives and copy all files to another location on your computer.
- Go back to the USB drive in Explorer, open the context menu for the drive and choose Format.
- Choose FAT32 (or exFAT if FAT32 is not shown).
- Select Start and wait for it to finish.
- Copy your files back on to your stick.
- Remove the USB stick safely.
How to reformat a USB memory stick on a Mac:
- Insert the USB stick into your Mac.
- Open Disk Utility.
- Select the USB stick from the list and copy the files from the stick to another location on your Mac.
- Go back to your USB stick and choose Erase.
- Set the format to MS DOS (FAT).
- Select Erase and wait for it to finish.
- Add your books back on to your USB stick.
- Remove the USB stick safely.
Checking your reformatted stick is working: once your books are copied back on to the USB stick, insert it into the Accord, turn the player on and check it plays as expected.
Good to know
- The Accord is not compatible with Bluetooth headphones.
- Localisation files for different languages, so you can update the player to your preferred language, can be found in the User Guides tab on the product page.
- Any firmware updates will be added to the User Guides tab if they are required.
For full details, check the product instructions manual in the User Guides tab to help you decide if the Accord is right for you.
We are here to help
If you have a question about your Accord, or your player is still not behaving after following the steps above, our friendly team would love to help. Call us on 0303 123 9999 or email helpline@rnib.org.uk.
Ready to experience it for yourself? Shop the RNIB Accord today.
