Additional Review by Iain Macmillan;
“Within the blind and VI community one will find that mobility is one of the highest priorities. this is why we are all granted the use of the long white cane and for some, a guide dog. with the correct training and practice with these aids one can consider themselves mobile , but only to an extent . the trekker breeze from Humanware is a GPS device that can apparently increase the ease of ones mobility and even stretch its range to the far corners of britain and ireland. the trekker breeze is without a doubt an excellent piece of kit for the independent blind traveller, fully utilising the nine keys on the device. i was pleasantly surprised to learn the breeze functions most effectively with the use of both built in and customised landmarks . of course the preset landmarks differ according to your location,ie the greater th e town the more comprehensive and greater in numbers the landmarks become . these landmarks can be anything from your local newsagent to public amenities or even tourist destinations. by selecting any of these presets the breeze will guide you through the route , very much like a conventional satellite navigation system . if your favourite pub or eatery is not included, however , one can easily create one by standing at the entrance of said destination , pressing the record key and stating ‘cross keys bar’ , ‘greasy spoon cafe’ , or whatever , and thus becoming a destination with the others. this feature can be used to make notes or reminders while on route. for example to inform you on the high kerb you always trip over. the use of this feature os seemingly endless based on ones imagination to implement it. unfortunately the record button can become an annoyance as i found that it can often be triggered in your top pocket while walking since it hasn’t a key lock function. i find this to be a minor criticism against a gadget which holds huge potential the trekker breeze also allows one to create customised routes . the model itself iss a good size and shape, like a cross between an in car GPS and a traditional mobile phone , its a device that will comfortably fit in your hand but is bulky and has enough weight to make it somehow reassuring. the breezes carry case was sadly the biggest letdown of the package . though aesthetically pleasing the case is just far too flimsy for such a high end product, while walking with the instrument i had absolutely no confidence in the cases ability to withstand any form of wear and tear . so as a result id urge humanware to produce a more rigid and substantial protective case for their trekker breeze. saying that the other items offered in the package are more than satisfactory ; as well as the varied instruction manuals, text, audio and digital text, one will receive power cable , usb connector , lapel loudspeaker, and shoulder and wrist straps for extra security and a billet in SD memory card.
overall the humanware trekker breeze is a fine gadget, the GPS function is miles better than any smart phone application, the nine button design fully implement the devices capabilities which take no time to learn and get used to. despite the problems with the carry case the trekker breeze would be an excellent addition to any blind travellers arsenal.”
SITE Bites Podcast No. 14 Aileen McGlynn OBE Treble Olympic Gold Medallist Aileen McGlynn OBE is our new patron and Ruby talks with her to find out how she made it to the top as a paralympian cyclist.
SITE Bites Podcast No. 13 Peter Osbourne, RNIB
In our latest podcast Ruby Shah talks with Peter Osbourne, Head of International Development and Partnership at the RNIB about his eBook experiences using the Kindle, iPad and iPhone.
SITE Bites Podcast No.12 – Open Day At CSIP
The Centre for Sensory Impaired People, in Glasgow, recently launched the first of three Open Days. Listen to feedback from some of the contributors.
SITE Bites Podcast No. 11 – Hazel McFarlane, Centre for Sensory Impaired People
We speak with Hazel McFarlane the newly appointed Centre Coordinator for Glasgow City Councils Sensory Impairment. Services. In the podcast Hazel tells us about her vision for the Centre and we find out about her passion for running.
SITE Bites Podcast No. 10 – Helen Keller International Award
Ruby Shah, DeafBlind Scotland speaks to Graham Thompson, Sense Scotland on the eve of the 9th Helen Keller International Award. This years exhibits include an inspiring range of paintings, sculptures and multi-media artworks, selected from entries from across the world.
SITE Bites Podcast No. 9 – Playback Interview March 2011
A podcast of a recent interview for Playback Audio Magazine in which you can hear how the SITE Bites podcasts started and how you can get involved. You can subscribe to Playback by visiting their website at www.Play-back.com
SITE Bites Podcast No.8 – Jim Cooke ‘The Glasgow House’
Our latest podcast takes a look at some prototype houses which feature high standards of insulation, coupled with low energy running costs and simple technology. We viewed the innovative project with Jim Cooke from City Building Glasgow from a visually impaired pe rspective and were not disappointed!
SITE Bites Podcast No. 7 – John Whitfield, DeafBlind Scotland “The Great Wall of China”
John Whitfield chats with Ruby Shah about his recent trek across The Great Wall of China and a pioneering project ‘Touching Lives Across The Generations.
SITE Bites Podcast No. 6 – Glasgow’s Helping Heroes
Sandra McDermott, Glasgow City Council gives us an insight into the Helping Heroes initiative which helps and support those who serve or have served in our Armed Forces and also provides help for their families and carers.