Trekker 2.7 The Wireless Generation

Trekker 2.7, the Wireless Generation, now available
November 18, 2005
HumanWare is pleased to announce the release of the new version of Trekker, the revolutionary global positioning system (GPS) for the blind. The system now provides the comfort, flexibility and performance of the new generation of wireless GPS receivers. Trekker 2.7, based on the simplicity of wireless technology, now allows the users to easily wear the equipment without the hassles of the wires and adapt it to their own needs.

Since Trekker was introduced in 2003, it has revolutionized the autonomy of blind and visually impaired people, offering them greater freedom in their ability to travel. Trekker provides real-time information on surroundings, allows to pinpoint user locations and to find out how to get to specific destinations-like having a personal guide on hand. Trekker keeps pace with the user as he walks, announcing street names, intersections, addresses, stores, businesses, restaurants and area attractions as they come up.

Trekker 2.7 is comprised of a Bluetooth GPS receiver, a stand-alone speaker and a handheld computer equipped with an electronic map and a specially designed tactile keyboard. Each of these components has a clip so that the user can carry them on different convenient locations, such as on clothing or a backpack. The three components each have their own battery and can be recharged simultaneously.

"With this new version, Trekker is more than ever the lightest, most compact and most powerful GPS device," said Lucia Gomez, Product Manager. "We wanted to give users more freedom of movement by providing a very compact device free of cumbersome wires and straps."

The Trekker 2.7 version offers enhanced input efficiency through the ability to enter text in Grade 2 Braille and the possibility of using an external Bluetooth Qwerty or a Braille keyboard.

The system can be enhanced with the Maestro applications, which provide access to indispensable functions of a PDA: agenda, text notes, voice notes, address book, DAISY reader (Victor Reader Pocket), media player, E-mail manager, Web browser, calculator, clock and alarms.

Existing Trekker users can purchase the hardware package to upgrade their current system to the new Trekker Bluetooth system. A software upgrade to version 2.7 will be needed. This software version is free and available on the Web.

Trekker 2.7 is now available from HumanWare and its distributors. To find out more about Trekker please visit:
http://www.humanware.ca/web/en/p_DA_Trekker.asp

About HumanWare Based in Christchurch, New Zealand, HumanWare designs and manufactures innovative technology for people who are blind and visually impaired. Formed in 1988, and formerly known as Pulse Data International, HumanWare exports approximately 98% of its products worldwide to more than 30 countries. In January 2005, Pulse Data and Visuaide of Canada merged to form HumanWare, one of the world's largest companies in the blindness and low vision industries. Sales offices have been established in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Sweden, The Netherlands, Australia and New Zealand and the company supports a strong distribution network throughout North America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East.

Updated on ... December 10, 2006