Sendero Transfers iOS Mobile Technology To Aira, Mike May Joins Aira Advisory
Board
November 14th, 2018
SAN DIEGO November 14, 2018 – Aira is pleased to announce that it has acquired
Sendero’s iOS mobile navigation products and technology. In conjunction with
this exciting boost to Aira’s technological portfolio, Mike May, Co-founder of
Sendero (and now with Envision Inc.), will also be joining Aira’s Advisory
Board to offer guidance as Aira expands its independent navigational efforts.
Mike May says, “Charles LaPierre and I founded Sendero in 1999 to provide
ourselves and all blind people independent access to location information. The
challenge to do that is as relevant today as it was 19 years ago. Accessible
GPS in conjunction with Aira and its AI assistant, Chloe, provide a synergistic
solution to full navigation access.”
Aira’s mission is to provide objective visual information to anyone, anywhere,
at any time, and a key part of achieving that mission centers around making
Aira’s service as accurate and detailed as possible with regards to location
tracking and navigation. Sendero’s technology brings this enhanced autonomy to
the table – and we have no doubt that this will improve the user experience as
a result.
“As a longtime user of the Sendero GPS technology, from using it on my
BrailleNote back in 2003, with a physically connected GPS receiver via a serial
cable, to today on a smartphone, Sendero’s commitment to accurate and relevant
information for the blind or low-vision traveler remains constant. The mission
to deliver instant access to navigational information any time, anywhere is
directly in line with Aira’s mission, and we are so excited to complement our
existing Aira offering with Sendero’s autonomous mobile GPS tool,” says Greg
Stilson, Director of Product Management at Aira.
Members of the Sendero team are joining Aira to assist with the technology
transition and existing app maintenance, as well as to contribute to the
long-term goal of integrating the Sendero GPS capability into Aira’s AI efforts.
Further details on the transition and future product developments will be
forthcoming. All Sendero mobile apps will continue to function the way you
expect, with continued updates already underway based on existing feedback
captured by Sendero. All support inquiries can be directed to
iphone@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx<mailto:iphone@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>.
As part of the Sendero transfers, the Lighthouse for the Blind in San Francisco
will take over the Sendero Maps and note-taker-based GPS product offerings.
Sendero CTO, Charles LaPierre says, “I am thrilled that Sendero Maps and GPS
products will continue under the stewardship of Aira and the Lighthouse. In
1993, when I developed the first accessible GPS back-pack prototype weighing 10
pounds, I said ‘in 10 years it will be the size of a Sony Walkman(TM), which
will fit in your hand’. I am honored that my university project 25 years ago
evolved into the ‘Swiss Army knife of life’ smartphone version of today.”
About Aira
Aira is a service that uses artificial intelligence and augmented reality to
connect blind and low-vision people to highly trained, remotely-located agents.
At the touch of a button, Aira delivers instant access to information,
enhancing everyday efficiency, engagement, and independence.
To learn more, visit aira.io.
About Sendero Group
Developers of the first accessible GPS and talking map software. GPS products
“Powered by Sendero” software provide access to detailed street and business
location information. Sendero staff, most of whom are visually impaired, know
from personal and professional experience that orientation and mobility skills
and tools for blind folks are key to enjoyment and success in all walks of life.
To learn more, visit senderogroup.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Sendero great?
Significant information provided in the background. Without needing to interact
with the smartphone, the user can receive a large amount of information.
Custom intersection descriptions. “Approaching a four-way intersection with
Main St. left and right. Now approaching a three-way intersection with
University Ave crossing Main St. on your right.”
Instant “Where Am I?” feedback when you shake the phone. With one shake you get
your current nearest address, the street you’re on, the cardinal direction
you’re facing, and the nearest intersection.
In-app routing engine for pedestrian and vehicle routes. Most other iOS apps
have some of the “What’s around”, features but lack an in-app routing engine,
thus pushing users to Google or Apple maps for any routing needs.
A feature for custom route creation. Basically, while the user is walking,
virtual breadcrumbs are dropped allowing the user to follow that custom route
again later. Great for open area travel in parking lots or hiking.
Creation of personal points of interest. Users can drop personal points of
interest either on the street or anywhere in an open area. Great for marking
landmarks while hiking or just exploring off the beaten path.
Extremely impressive “Getting warmer” routing engine where the destination
serves as a homing beacon for the explorer to get near to it. Great for open
area travel. The system uses the clock face directions to guide them to the
destination as the distance reduces.
And much more.
Why did Aira acquire Sendero’s mobile GPS technology?
Aira’s mission is to provide instant access to information, anytime and
anywhere. This information can be in the form of visual information around you,
provided by a trained human agent, or information about your surroundings
delivered by a custom automated GPS tool. Both provide information and are not
mutually exclusive. As GPS technology has come a long way over the years, there
are still gaps in using such technology to assist in navigating you to the
entrance of your destination. Often, it will get you close to your goal, but it
is often that last 50 feet to find the correct entrance or door which can be a
challenge. This particular scenario is where the two technologies complement
each other. Sendero’s mobile GPS technology will be part of Aira’s AI during
navigation tasks. Combined with our highly-trained live agents, Aira Explorers
will have the most robust access to information available today.
I have a subscription to one of Sendero’s mobile GPS apps, or I purchased the
SeeingEye GPS XT app outright, what is happening with my apps?
Nothing will be changing with your experience. Aira and Sendero are working
together to smoothly transition the technology over so your user experience
will not be affected. Also, Aira has taken over the development of updating the
Sendero Mobile GPS apps and have retained Sendero’s existing mobile app
developers. We are excited to be releasing an app update in the future,
containing some long-awaited app features.
What is Aira’s long-term vision for the GPS technology?
As the AI landscape is rapidly changing, one thing that will always be
necessary is access to relevant, accurate information while a blind or
low-vision person navigates their environment. We see Sendero’s high quality
mobile software potentially playing a significant role in Aira’s AI solutions
in the future.
Are Sendero’s mobile GPS apps available for Android?
No, currently these apps are only available on iOS.
Where can I download the Sendero mobile GPS apps?
You can download the Sendero mobile GPS apps from: SeeingEye GPS North America:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/seeing-eye-gps/id668624446?mt=8# Guide Dogs ;
NSW Australia:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/guide-dogs-nsw-act/id1023913373?ls=1&mt=8 RNIB ;
Navigator UK: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/rnib-navigator/id783866151?mt=8
Where can I learn more about Sendero and Aira?
Visit www.senderogroup.com<http://www.senderogroup.com> or learn more about
Aira and Sendero at www.aira.io<http://www.aira.io>.
--
David Goldfield, Assistive Technology Specialist
WWW.David-Goldfield.Com<http://WWW.David-Goldfield.Com>
