I've used Co-pilot to clear this review up a bit and make it more readable.
What's this Glide thing and why would I want one?
The Glide from Glidance is a small device that uses sensors to help you navigate. You can find out more on their website. Keep in mind their videos have pre-recorded audio because they didn't have a prototype back then.
What does it look like?
While I didn't spend a lot of time examining the device, I can tell you this: it's small and has a handle designed to fit comfortably in one hand. Your hand curves over the handle, and it's nice to hold.
According to my friend Amin, it has another handle near the ground so you can carry it when you don't need to use it. The wheels are similar in size to those on a pram or stroller—not huge, but not tiny either.
What does it feel like when using it?
Using the Glide feels smooth. You can hear the motor, but in the first version, it will be very quiet. When you walk with it, it feels nice and guides you around obstacles. For example, when it encountered a wall, it gently guided me away for safety reasons.
Honestly, if you can, I'd highly recommend checking it out. This review won't do it justice. I'm going to try to get the RNIB to have a test unit once it's out, and I recommend you ask your local blindness organizations to do the same.
I feel like this is a groundbreaking device that needs to be experienced to be truly understood.
Maps
Maps won't be available at launch, but the team expects to have them working with the device within six months of the launch date.
Final thoughts
According to my friend Amin, you'll be able to connect it to use VoiceOver through Bluetooth, and Soundscape will be integrated into the device. I've pre-ordered the unit and am very glad I did, as I truly believe this is a game-changer.
Comments
trust me, I try not to.
I'm making this my last comment,, what happens happens.
@Brian, the housing market here is terrible so i'd not move here, then again i'd like to move to France but the housing market is very similar and I don't speak french so that's not happening.
I'm to lazy to learn if anyone is interested.
I heard from the glidance news letter that this worked great in victoria station, one of the most busiest stations in London, so that's really really good news.
I've not looked forward to something like this in a long long time.
In that case ...
I'll just bunk at your place ... 😈
@Brian.
Alright, go for it.
Guy behind Glidance
I heard from a friend who works in mobility the guy behind Glidance is the same one who was originally behind Microsoft Soundscape. I'm still not preordering that far ahead when it's that expensive, even if I didn't have other things I need to do with my money, but at least it gives me cautious optimism in the project. If nothing else it shows there's someone with the experience to push the project through.
Yep.
That's right, he's blind too.
I understand not buying the device just yet, if you buy it at all, it's completely up to you of course :)
I just need to get out more and feel like this device will help a lot with that.
It's not just that he's…
It's not just that he's blind, I was aware of that part, it's the fact he's been involved in a highly successful project before.
Oh sure.
I understand that. It's going to be a fun device to use.