I can’t recall anything about the Microsoft Soundscape app coming across the
list, so I thought I’d make a note of it. I came across it the other day and
it’s pretty cool. The big difference between it and other navigation and
orientation apps is that it sends the call out from the direction of the point
of interest. You need stereo headphones, for obvious reasons they recommend
open ear models. That was the driver for my questions about bone conduction
headphones the other day.
The most useful feature I’ve found is the audio beacon, which lets you set a
beacon for any marker, either from the GPS function or setting one on the spot.
With the beacon active the app gives you a funky beat that shifts from ear to
ear as you turn, so you can orient to the beacon. There is a tone when you have
the bearing dead on. When you’re standing still the orientation is by pointing
the phone, when you’re moving the position of the phone doesn’t matter. You
can set a marker and beacon when you’re off line, so no need to burn data, and
you can use it when you’re off the grid. I’m going to give it a try kayaking
this weekend, usually I try to hold a bearing using my IPhone compass, and my
wife calling out directions. I’ll see how the audio beacon works in comparison.
I figure I’ll set it for the launch spot on the shore, then when we’re heading
back I’ll activate it. Then my wife can leave that task to the phone, and
concentrate on making sure I don't run into anyone.
So there you go. Anyone else using the app and have tips and tricks?
Ian
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