As we see more and more discussion of iPhone and Android GPS apps, I
thought
it was time to remind folks of some points relative to the use and
selection
of a GPS product or products. Yes, some products are cheap enough now to
have more than one.
Like some other users on the list, I have numerous navigation apps on the
iPhone, plus Mobile Geo on an HTC phone, The Braille Sense OnHand with
Sense
Nav and the BrailleNote PK with GPS. I haven't used Android yet but
Charles
and Gil from Sendero have so we have a pretty in depth understanding of
what
the options are. We can't forget Sendero Maps and APH PC talking maps on
the
PC nor Kapten and Breeze in terms of stand-alone units. We talk to
customers
daily and get their individual feedback on the various products. We also
do
a lot of training so we know a bit about the learning curve.
Some will argue that Sendero has a vested interest and so our perspective
is
skewed. Those of you who have been with us for years and many versions,
know
that our motivation is to provide the most accessible navigation possible.
We are first and foremost blind users who appreciate the power of
independent travel.
Here are some factors to consider.
1. Every product has its strengths and weaknesses. Not one size fits all.
2. Every user has a different set of needs.
3. Price and budget are a huge factor in the GPS selection process.
4. Most people can't afford multiple devices.
5. The more a product has to offer, the steeper the learning curve.
6. Different situations require different GPS functionality. Are you just
walking around and want to know what streets are nearby verses researching
a
trip or planning a route. Are you on city streets or in the woods?
7. Any GPS is better than no GPS.
8. Everyone is an advocate and proponent of the product they use and know
the best.
This latter point is an important one. In parts of the world where the
BrailleNote or Sense GPS products are not common, the perspective on GPS
solutions revolves around the Breeze or the discontinued Wayfinder Access,
or, these days, around Kapten. These products provide basic GPS
functionality for a reasonable price and this is fantastic.
However, this should not be confused with more comprehensive navigation
access. If you only use and know the basics, you may think that is all
that
is needed. I would argue that you don't know what you are missing. Explore
mode is extremely powerful. If your product doesn't have it, of course you
are going to think virtual exploration isn't important. Manual route
recording is another powerful tool that tends to be overlooked. Even if
your
product has it, there is some work involved in learning how to use it.
User interface is a huge consideration when looking at the productivity of
using accessible GPS. I guarantee you that if we are in a car with friends
and looking for a place to have dinner, a BrailleNote GPS user is going to
be much more help in finding a place and getting us to the restaurant than
an iPhone Navigon user. The same thing goes for being in a taxi and
getting
off route. A regular Braille or QWERTY keyboard is just a much faster
interface than flicking on a touch screen.
So, when people ask what the best accessible GPS is, the answer that it
depends on the factors mentioned above and probably some others. If you
can
possibly afford the money and time to have a PDA type GPS or Mobile Geo,
you
should go for it keeping in mind that you have to invest time as well as
money to really take advantage of the cool features. I haven't touched on
even a small portion of them here.
That is my take and I am extremely happy to been involved in stimulating
this product area over the past 15 years.
Mike
Michael May, CEO Sendero Group
Developers of accessible GPS and distributors of technology for the blind
Voice, 530-757-6800
MikeMay@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
http://www.senderogroup.com
http://www.AccessibleGPS.com
http://www.CrashingThrough.com
429 F Street, Suite 4
Davis, CA 95616
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