We have all used audio guides at museums, historical homes and other
such attractions in order to help us understand what we see around us.
Sometimes they cost a few dollars, sometimes they are free. But, the writing on
the wall suggests that these audio guides are on their way out. While they
served their purpose well, a much better solution has emerged ... mobile tour
guide apps. These apps are downloadable from Google and Apple store either
before you visit the attraction or at the gate of the attraction. Once
downloaded, they work with no internet connection and don’t burn through your
data plan. You may still need to borrow headsets, if you don’t already have a
pair of headphones handy. You get to walk around the attraction with your own
phone and enjoy a self guided tour that has both video and audio.
Here is why we believe mobile tour guide apps are replacing the
traditional audio guides:
1. Purchase and maintenance cost: Audio guides are very expensive
to buy and also expensive to maintain. With mobile apps, the attraction has no
cost of buying or maintaining the hardware. Tourists use their own phone to
download the app and use it.
2. Take the story home: Since the traditional audio guide
instruments are returned back, the story is no longer with the tourist. Once
the tourist downloads mobile app on their own phone, he/she can use it at the
attraction, and then, take the story home to listen to it again or show it to
friends and families.
3. Multimedia experience: While audio guide provides audio, the
mobile apps offer audio, pictures, video and transcript. Pictures ensure that
you are looking at the right object. They can show old pictures, seasonal
pictures, related pictures to give a fuller experience. And, they also provide
a transcript to read for those who love to read. So, overall, a much better
experience.
4. Multiple languages: Attractions end up reserving a certain
number of audio guides for foreign languages. With mobile apps, tourist simply
downloads the language they need or some Apps are intelligent and download the
right language on their own. Not having to keep aside unit for foreign guests
help save costs and you never run the risk of running out of guides with
foreign support.
5. Navigation and map help: Audio guides have no screen to show a
map. Apps show a full screen with all the rooms/objects/attraction points and
also provide a sequence by guiding the tourist step by step.
Overall, a mobile tour app is a huge winner over the traditional audio
guides.
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