Welcome to this week’s 920 Weekly Roundup!
As the anticipated Rugby World Cup final on Sunday morning approaches, those competing in the Auckland Marathon are finding creative ways to watch the game which overlaps with the marathon. Two marathon runners have decided to strap iPads to their backs that will stream the final for those runners behind them to view. Volunteers are also lined up to give contestants updates on the game. The game will also be screened on a large screen at the starting line. Numbers are down 4,000 from last year – perhaps due to the clash with the Rugby World Cup. Nevertheless, 12,475 people will be contesting on Sunday morning.
A new smartphone app, NavCog, has been designed to help the blind. It is similar to a GPS system in that a voice describes distances, directions, and landmarks. It is able to identify your location within about 1m to 2m of your actual location. As it is still new, there is the odd problem determining specifics of one’s environment but the app is showing a lot of potential. At the moment the developers are testing a camera component for the app in order to more specifically identify a user’s location. This app has the potential to significantly improve the quality of life for people with blindness.
Air New Zealand will soon be introducing the use of electronic devices throughout the duration of their regional journeys. Devices will still need to be switched to flight mode, but will not need to be switched off for take-off and landing. The General Manager for customer service says that the airline wants to focus on using technology in order for customers to have a more enjoyable flight from beginning to end.
Have a lovely weekend and good luck to the All Blacks!
The Ninetwenty Team
