GpsTunes: controlling navigation via audio feedback

We combine the functionality of a mobile Global Positioning System (GPS) with that of an MP3 player, implemented on a PocketPC, to produce a handheld system capable of guiding a user to their desired target location via continuously adapted music feedback. We illustrate how the approach to presentation of the audio display can benefit from insights from control theory, such as predictive ‘browsing’ elements to the display, and the appropriate representation of uncertainty or ambiguity in the display. The probabilistic interpretation of the navigation task can be generalised to other context-dependent mobile applications. This is the first example of a completely handheld location- aware music player. We discuss scenarios for use of such systems.

• Type: Conference
• Year: 2005
• Where: MHCI
• Authors: Steven Strachan, Parisa Eslambolchilar, Roderick Murray-Smith, Stephen Hughes, M. Sile O'Modhrain
• Keywords: Aware Music Player, Context-dependent Mobile Applications, Human Computer Interaction, MHCI 2005, Mobile Global Positioning