Empire State Building
As some of you know, I am involved in the development of the Empire State Building’s iTouch-based mobile tour system. I’ll fill in details once we launch, but suffice it to say, we are running on-board content in 7 languages, in native mode (not through a web browser.) Initially, we are using wi-fi to toggle content between the queue line, where there is up to a two-hour wait, and the Observatory where users are “locked out” from anything but the vista’s information.
Nowadays, many visitors will have their own headsets/earbuds but we still need to make a decision on what to rent – 0r give away – with the devices. Decision criteria include audio quality (it’s mostly voice, not music) robustness, cleanability, visibility (it’s a nice marketing icon if they can be seen being worn,) and usability (no wierd over-the-ear behind-the-neck or clip-on ear items please!) and cost.
An ESB visit is a highly social experience so the classic paradox applies.
Any thoughts or suggestions as to make and model, UV cleaning gadgets? We may try a variety of headsets and I hope I can report on their utility by late summer.
Please visit Headsets and Protective Cases for more information on the Empire State Building’s solution.
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Update 4/12/11
We’re about two months from launch. It’s been a long process for a variety of reasons but I know it’ll be worth the wait. A case study will certainly be in order. Also, I designed a high security case that fits PARAT charging trays that will be available for sale to other venues after we launch.
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Update 7/8/11
Project is nearing completion. It went through several significant changes this Spring in order to unify the interface. Our Beta application used a mix of .mpg audio, .mov video, and programmatic interactive text and images. An obvious flaw was that the controllers were all different. So, we unified the interface and made everything .mov activated by hotspots in the panorama.
Below is an image of the project’s custom case which I designed and is about to be produced. This process alone took almost six months of design, prototyping, testing, and mold making. Cases will be available for purchase through yours truly.
A high security case for use at the Empire State Building multimedia tour
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