Wednesday, October 14. 2009

Microsoft Tests "Videomap" as Journey Prep Tool

Videomap, software under development by Microsoft and researchers from the University of Konstanz in Germany, gives maps and written directions but it also previews a route - complete with landmarks. It creates video using 360-degree panoramic images of the street that are strung together.

It even slows down to encourage viewers to fully grasp key intersections and turns. For now the system requires developers to select the key landmarks users will see. Users of Videomap recalled 80% of turns; those studying the map recalled just 60%. While some suggest the technology will be supplanted by GPS devices, others think it could be of value to pedestrians and cyclists. Frankly, any time I can "preview" a drive, I'll do it.

I regularly, for example, drive to the site of a big race the day before just to be sure I'll get there. There's no reason to panic at 5 am when you can't find the correct turn (and it's dark and foggy....)

- Tech Review

Posted by Adena Schutzberg in Microsoft at 07:43 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) |

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