Audio Trails boast a rich back catalogue of location-aware native apps for heritage sites and tourist attractions. They have now launched a web equivalent. Creative Director Dan Boys explains the pros and cons of both approaches.

When it comes to software, location-aware apps are what we (Audio Trails) specialise in. For us, a location-aware app uses location (via a potential combination of GPS, mobile connectivity, wifi and/or bluetooth beacons) to automatically alert the user to relevant digital content (text, images, audio, video) within the proximity of a device. It will also tell you how far away you are from other content. This content may refer to a place of interest, an event or a walking trail.

For many years we have been building native apps – designed specifically for iOS and Android devices – on behalf of local authorities, charities and communities. … Read More »

Location-aware (web and native) app platform for digital storytelling

We have three options to help you share your stories about places of interest and guiding visitors along walking trails. Are you looking for an audio-only option or do you have multimedia (text, images, audio and video) to share? Do you want a native (iOS/Android) or a web app? Select from the options below:

Location-aware multimedia web apps

Showcase and trigger multimedia PLACES AND TRAILS linked to ANY location, on ANY device with a web browser. Link it seamlessly to your own website. More…

Location-aware multimedia native apps

Native Apps are installed via the App Store or Google Play onto (and limited to) iOS and Android devices. Our native apps can be enhanced with plugins that make the most of the device’s functionality. More…

Location-aware audio trail apps

‘Listen’ is our GPS-triggered audio tour guide app. Press play and and put the screen away. The … Read More »

An easy to use Audio Tour Guide solution that provides personal, interactive audio (and video) interpretation for visitors.

In addition to sporting a traditional keypad the audio content can also be triggered by three different types of proximity tags that are placed around a museum, gallery, tourist attraction, heritage site etc. Audio can be synchronised with video and the audio tour guide has a unique anti-theft alarm function.

Features:

● Keypad function (with play, pause, fast forward, fast rewind)
● Built in speaker, 3.5mm stereo earphone output
● Supports MP3 audio files
● 99 different languages available, 4096 audio files supported by each language.
● Object name display
● High capacity lithium-ion battery, continuous operating time is more than 12 hours.
● Maximum volume output can be locked
● Audio can be triggered by passive tag (within 0～5cm), infrared ray within (0～10m) and/or RFID signal (0～100m)
● The last three points triggered can be selected and replayed
● Play restrict and play times statistics functions
● Auto playing background music when trigger playing ended
● With vibrate and buzzer prompt function
● Anti-theft alarm function
● Video SYNC function, visitors will hear the synchronous audio when video is playing (our custom HDMI media player is required)

Charge/sync units are available (from a double slot charger to banks of 12).

Contact us for further details.

Showcase and trigger multimedia PLACES AND TRAILS linked to ANY location, on ANY device with a web browser.

Our Places and Trails web app is a website. It displays on any device with a web browser: desktops, smartphones tablets etc and will therefore seamlessly link with your own website.

Our innovative technology uses geo-location to display and trigger content relative to the user (this feature can be switched on and off). With no set up costs, you just pay as you go (minimum 3 month term). Web apps may not have the same access to a device’s native features, but they are a cheaper alternative to dedicated native (iOS/Android) apps, plus users can ‘favourite’ places and trails. Please note that strong 3G/4G mobile coverage is preferred for optimum performance.

Clients are given their own sub-domain and the site is tailored to your branding (see wembley.placesandtrails.com as an example. For more … Read More »

An audio trail builds a story, guiding visitors from one point of interest to the next.

Our audio guides create a journey of audio discovery, brought to life by a narrator, oral reminiscences, sound effects, music and/or characterisation. They add a layer of magic to any walk, trail or hike.

Listen to a short showreel or browse our back catalogue.

Straight from the horse’s mouth

Audio trails are at their most engaging when they use the voices of people who know those stories best. Involving young people in the process is a very rewarding experience too.

Audio trails (you may called them audio guides or audio tours) are unobtrusive and provide stories without visitors having to look at a screen, booklet or interpretation panel. They are a perfect solution for visually impaired visitors. They are created as MP3 files – a universal music format – and are easily added to a website, app or museum/visitor centre hardware, ready to be enjoyed by visitors.

Contact us … Read More »