"City on the fly" article appearing in Sunday Herald Sun by Craig Tansley

24.06.08

On 9 April 2008, Craig Tansley wrote the following article appearing in the Sunday Herald Sun - cicrulation 620,000

 "City on the fly" - A new electronic device that shows you the best parts of a city without having to go anywhere near a foldable map leaves Craig Tansley tingly inside.

THERE are three things I don't do so well in life. First, I can't read maps. I just can't work out north from south, east from east-northeast and I certainly can't fold the darn things again.

I was once lost within a block of my hotel in Paris. It took me two
hours to find my way back - I missed my flight, my friends still
don't speak to me and I never want to see the Eiffel Tower again.

I also don't listen well. When a concierge tells me where to go, I
blank out. I nod like a fool, but it's an act, because nothing went in.
What's more, if any information is retained. I tend to find getting a
concierge to recommend a restaurant is much like your mother
picking out your wardrobe - it's fraught with danger.
You'll either end up eating in a loud, brash, bright "contemporary
Australian" restaurant if you're older, or, as a younger tourist,
you'll find yourself fiddling with doilies and fine china when all you
want is a loud, brash and bright restaurant.

The third thing I don't do so well is technology. It scares me.
I love it, it's incredible and teenagers seem to embrace it so
lovingly. But just turning my computer on in the morning is a
challenge. With all that in mind, it was with much joy that I journeyed to
Sydney to sample the podfrey, an Ipod-based device developed by a
Sydney business in conjunction with Accor Hotels.
It's a simple. "why-didn't-they-think-of-it-before" guide to Sydney; even technology-phobes won't be daunted. A new electronic device that shows you the best parts of a city without having to go anywhere near
a foldable map leaves Craig Tansley tingly inside think-of-it-before" guide to Sydney: even technology-phobes won't be daunted. Soon to be released in Melbourne the device gives visitors access to all the best parts of their destination, without ever having to fold another map or pretend to follow a concierge's directions.

What's more. very soon the guide will come with a GPS system so
you'll always know where you are. The podfrey is presented on the
latest Ipod Touch and it contains videos, maps and photographs to
give you a new insight into the city you're travelling to.
"We have locals talking about their favourite places on the podfrey."
developer Andrew Bettman says. "No one paid a cent to be on
it, so it's unbiased."

Unlike guide books, which become out-dated the minute they
hit the shelves, information on the podfrey is continually updated into
categories such as arts and architecture, attractions, dining, entertainment,
getting around, keeping fit, nightlife and shopping.

The digital guide contains short films reviewing popular restaurants
and bars as well as profiling some local secrets such as shopping
destinations, beaches, walking trails - and the best way to get
there by public transport.

You can also use the device to access email and surf the net. The days of desperately folding up maps while running for the wrong bus may almost
be over.

Go back to Podfrey News