AUSTIN, Texas, Sept. 26, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- Bar Z Adventures, a leading provider of handheld educational GPS (Global Positioning System) technology, announced today the development of two new products, the GPS Ranger(tm) and the Zoo Ranger(tm). These innovative touring devices deliver multimedia content based on satellite recognition of GPS coordinates. They were designed to enhance the visitor experience at national parks, monuments, zoos, and other natural and historic sites. Currently more than half a dozen national parks and monuments are using or are under contract to use this cutting edge technology.
"Unlike other electronic solutions for the tourism industry, the GPS Ranger Series uses GPS technology to trigger rich multimedia content when the user comes within range of a point of interest," said Lee Little, founder of Bar Z Adventures and developer of the GPS and Zoo Ranger systems. "Audio, video, text and pictures can all be integrated to tell important stories that have shaped the fabric of America. Our system puts a venue's important message in the palm of the visitor's hand."
The GPS Ranger Series integrates GPS technology and Bar Z's patent-pending software into a rugged handheld computer. The GPS Ranger Series uses the Microsoft(tm) Windows CE platform.
The strength and flexibility of the Windows CE technology, allows the GPS Ranger(tm) and Zoo Ranger(tm) to deliver interpretive messages to visitors as they experience the beauty, meaning, and history of the resource. The GPS Ranger Series can be programmed with unlimited content and allows for daily updates of all site activities. The system even supports multiple languages and audiences and provides for enhancements for the visually or hearing impaired.
"The Windows CE platform offers one consistent and integrated tool set that greatly increases developer productivity," said Jane Gilson, Director of the Mobile and Embedded Group at Microsoft(tm) Corp. "This allows partners, such as Bar Z Adventures, to bring reliable and innovative services into nontraditional settings, which will greatly enrich the experience of the user."
"Non-profit tourist venues are faced with two significant issues: relaying to the visitor the importance and significance of their resource and budget constraints. Connecting with the visitor under constant budget constraints is a challenge, at the same time advancements in technology have allowed for the GPS Ranger Series to be brought to market," said Little.
The GPS Ranger Series can't replace the personal tour guide but it is the next best thing. The visitor touring a natural or historic site while holding a GPS Ranger Series device will automatically hear and see meaningful interpretive content as he or she nears the various points of interest.
Bar Z Adventures expects to introduce the GPS Ranger Series to many more North American treasures. Beyond U.S. national parks and zoos, Bar Z Adventures has had interest from college admissions departments, cruise lines and selected regional markets.
GPS Ranger(tm) Series Specifications
Handheld Computer:
-- Rugged enough for daily usage, water resistant and drop resistant -- Sunlight readable screen -- Powerful 400 mhz processor with storage capacity of up to 4 GBs -- Lightweight unit with internal speakers
Integrated Software:
-- Multi tiered software designed to support 100's of venues with
1,000's of handheld units deployed per venue
-- Allows for flexible content changes (audio, video, text and still
frame pictures), daily updates, add or remove content, add or
remove points of interest
-- Supports multiple languages and demographics
-- Integrated GPS mapping -- users always know where they are and
where they have been
-- Supports "Bread Crumbing" or the ability to track where users went
and how long they stayed -- critical visitor information
-- Highly scalable integrated system designed to be a money maker for
venue partner
Additional information about the Zoo Ranger(tm)
-- Specifically tailored to the patrons of the Zoo market. The Zoo
Ranger contains all of the components and features of the GPS
Ranger(tm) and includes Zoo Trivia and Fun Facts. These additional
features allow for increased interaction between the Zoo Ranger(tm)
and the user
About Bar Z Adventures
Bar Z Adventures LP is a privately held, Austin, Texas-based company combining experts in the fields of mobile computer delivery systems and program content development. Bar Z Adventures has designed the GPS Ranger Series with large venues and their visitors in mind -- its sole mission is to enhance the visitor experience using modern technology. Bar Z Adventures integrates proven technology and patent-pending software to help tell the powerful stories of America...and the World. For more information on the company or its products log onto www.barzadventures.com, www.gpsranger.com, www.zooranger.com or call (512) 732-0135.
The Bar Z Adventures logo is available at http://www.primezone.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=2881