Nearby Explorer, is it Worth it?

By Troy, 4 September, 2016

Forum
iOS and iPadOS

Hello,
I've listened to the podcast on near by explorer and it seem like a very good app. Unfortunately though since there's not a trial version I want to get as much feedback as possible before spending the $79 and consuming the 4 gigs on my phone with this app. I'm sure as it develops the app will get better and better. What are the communities thoughts on it so far? What do you like or dislike about it? Do you think it's worth the price you paid for it? why or why not?
Thanks

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Comments

By Eileen on Monday, September 26, 2016 - 05:26

It is not a miracle app. The auto comments for whatever info you desire, while the phone is locked, is convenient. There isn't anything in this app that you can' get from a combination of Blind Square and your favorite free GPS app for turn by turn directions. I personally like monitoring my speed and surrounding streets at the same time without holding my phone precariously in my cane hand while controlling my puppy in my other hand. Unfortunately, it doesn't have the NJ Transit train schedule at this time, so the main reason I bought this app didn't pan out. I'm still getting plenty of use out of it. And I must say it's great to have Blind Square type apps to choose from. I need continuous confirmation of my location. It's better than being able to read the street signs. app. Blind Geeks has a favorable pod cast for the IOS version.

By Geovanni Bahena on Monday, September 26, 2016 - 05:26

Member of the AppleVis Editorial Team
I Love the feedback it gives. what is more, you can custamize what feedback you get or choose not to hear. For example, If I decide to take a walk I do want to know what street i'm approaching as I walk. If I'm in a car giving directions to someone, all they really care to know is the next turn, nothing else. I love that you can ajust that so quickly without needing to go to some stand alone settings screen. You might also want to check out the applevis entry that was done on this app. http://www.applevis.com/apps/ios/travel/nearby-explorer

By Troy on Monday, September 26, 2016 - 05:26

One thing I wasn't clear on is if you can use it in a car but I think my question has been answered in the above comment.

By DPinWI on Monday, September 26, 2016 - 05:26

My initial thoughts arein the above referenced app directory entry. The highlights.

I like:
the information options
built in turn by turn
Google has more up to date information, and less bloat than the Four Square POI list Places POI database
The maps for my area are more complete, and more accurate than the OSM maps in Blind Square

I don't like:
I can't get my favourites announced without having all poi announcements
bug that forces compact voices instead of the vast array of voice options in Blind Square
I miss the "You have walked distance in time" announcements

For me, the good out weighs the bad, and it was worth it.

It works great in a car. I have used it a few times just to test it out. even when we made a run turn it rerouts quickly.
I also like that when you change direction, it tells you what direction you are heading.

By charles on Monday, September 26, 2016 - 05:26

In reply to by DPinWI

The good: Totally customizable amount of feedback, given while the phone is locked, even while you're listening to other apps. Onboard maps make it unnecessary to have cellular coverage during use. Choice between different map sources depending on the accuracy you want. You can select the number of points of interest you choose to track from 1 to 8. (Keep in mind that the more points of interest you choose to track, the higher the amount of chatter you will get.) The ability to see your potential route before beginning your journey through the use of a virtual route feature. The ability to view the map of your surrounding area if you are in an unfamiliar location. In comparison to The Seeing Eye GPS app, while a lifetime fee for the Seeing Eye will cost around $300, the cost of this app, which is far superior in performance and ease of use, is $89.

The bad: If you go off of the suggested route, the app does not automatically recalculate your route based on your location. When looking for a specific house number along a block, the app is figuring house numbers based on the length of a block. It might figure that, for example, 2050 North third street is halfway down the block, even though this might not be true. As far as I can tell since buying the app on Friday, you cannot simply choose to retrace the previously traveled route. You have to set your original origin as your destination, but this is a minor annoyance.

Keep in mind that this is version 1 of the app, and I feel that, if we report our concerns and suggestions, the app can only improve over time.