New GPS app offers innovative features for blind iPhone users

By David Goodwin, 19 June, 2011

A new GPS app has just been released in the iTunes App Store that offers some innovative features for blind and low vision users of Apple iDevices.

Ariadne GPS enables you to know your position at any time and to monitor it whilst walking. You can configure the app to update you with information as you are walking, such as telling you street numbers or the current street name.

There is also the option to save specific locations and be alerted when you approach one of them, Alerts can be a sound, vibration or a voice.

Another interesting feature for VoiceOver users is the ability to explore maps with your fingers. When you move your fingers across the map you can hear the street names and numbers announced by VoiceOver, which helps you build a mental map of the area.

This application is fully accessible and provides access to details that are normally unavailable to people who use VoiceOver to interact with their iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch.

Ariadne GPS is available from the iTunes App Store for $2.99

See the Ariadne GPS entry in the AppleVis App Directory for further comments on its accessibility.

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