2015: A Year of Growth and New Features
We’ve listened to your feedback, and we’re always striving to make the app better. One of the key improvements in 2015 was the ability to navigate routes more easily. A small but essential feature was added: the navigation button that provides step-by-step directions from your current location to your destination. Now, you can choose between walking, public transit, and other transport options.
Add Audio Recordings and More!
Reading text on a mobile device, especially on sunny days or small screens, can be challenging. That’s why we introduced audio recordings for your guides. Now, you can add audio narration to your points, making it easier for users to engage with content, even without looking at the screen. Audio recordings are one of the most important features in our mobile learning platform.
You can now add audio recordings to your custom points using a simple icon in the top menu. This feature, alongside photos, helps further enhance the experience. Check out how to use it in our short tutorial video.
Offline Point Addition
In earlier versions, you needed an internet connection to add new points to your guides. That’s no longer necessary. Now, you can add points offline, which makes it easier to create guides abroad or in areas with weak internet connections. Once you’re online, your content will sync with the server.
Improved User Experience for Adding Points
We reduced the number of pop-up dialogs that appeared when adding points in previous versions. Now, you only see one brief notification when adding a new point, making the process quicker and smoother.
Website Integration with ARtour
In 2015, we also launched API services to allow our community users to integrate their guides into websites. One of the most interesting use cases is the European Cemeteries Route, where over 60 members present routes within their cemeteries. Another example is the Symbols Project, which features deeper integrations with keyword matching.
Simple Website Integration with an Iframe
Integrating your guide into your website has never been easier. Just click the “Embed” icon on any guide you’ve created, and you’ll get an iframe HTML tag that you can insert into your website’s CMS.
Advanced Integration with Our API
If you’re a web developer or have a professional team, you can use our API to build fully custom website presentations. You’ll have access to route details, view configurations, and more. The European Cemeteries Route and Symbols Project are examples of how the API can be used to deliver a complete website experience.
Custom Projects and Advanced Solutions
We can help you build advanced, custom solutions for your needs. Contact us to discuss your project.
Improved Notifications Service
We’ve made significant upgrades to our notification system. In previous versions, notifications only worked if the app was open. Now, notifications will appear in your phone’s notification area, making it easier to stay informed. You can choose to tap on the notification or clear it.
Smart Notifications for You
To prevent notifications from becoming annoying, we’ve made them smarter. For example, if you leave ARtour open in the guide list mode, you’ll only get alerts for new guides near your location that you haven’t opened yet. If you’re in points list mode, you’ll receive notifications when you’re within 300 meters of a point of interest.
Search and Import Content from Various Sources
Tired of copying and pasting all the content you want to learn about on your next trip? Now you can search Wikipedia, Facebook, Google Places, and other sources for points of interest. Simply add the ones you want to your guide.
Automatic Import to Your Guide
Once you add points, you can create a new guide automatically, including all the photos, locations, and text. You can then take the guide offline, so you don’t need an internet connection while you travel.
Edit Imported Content
The content you import is linked to the original source, but you’re free to edit it to match your travel itinerary. Any changes you make are stored as your curated content.
Share Your Points with Others
ARtour is a platform designed for learning, and we encourage the sharing of useful content. If you create a point and others find it interesting, they can import it into their own guides. We respect authors’ rights, so if you ever feel someone is misusing your content, just let us know.
Navigation Instructions
To make your travels even smoother, ARtour provides navigation instructions. Just tap the navigation icon on any point, and you’ll get detailed directions using Google Places. The instructions include:
- Textual directions (bus numbers, expected times, etc.)
- Approximate travel time
- Distance to the destination
- A map showing your route
Safety First
While ARtour’s instructions are helpful, always stay safe. Don’t follow the guide’s directions when driving or if the situation is potentially dangerous. We can’t guarantee your safety on the road, so always pay attention to your surroundings.