Smartphones and tablet devices are rapidly spreading. Under these circumstances, a dedicated application (free) has recently appeared in the Ginza town walking guide. In addition to text (text) and image information, it guides Ginza by voice, and has a convenient function that switches to commentary there when approaching the guide point (photos are from iPad screen). The silver bra with a smartphone seems to have some new discoveries.
The app released this time is an iPhone and iPad compatible version for Apple iOS. The Android version has already been released. Ginza Street has been offering free WiFi for free public wireless LAN in the Ginza area called "G Free" since the end of September this year, so if combined with this, the convenience of the Internet environment will be further enhanced.
There are two types of apps: "Ginza Guide" and "Kokosil Ginza" (both UC Technology). The "Ginza Guide" has a menu such as voice guides "Ginza Guide" and "Disc Jocky-style", as well as tour guides "Gallery Tour", "Back Road Crossing", and "Historic Site Tour". You can listen to the history and topics of Ginza in the audio guide "Ginza Guide" for about 20 minutes. In addition, it automatically switches when you approach the information points such as Matsuya, Mitsukoshi, Wako, etc., and it is an excellent thing that explains the facility. There are also photos and old maps on iPad.
In addition to searching for maps, reading QR codes, introducing events, "Kokosil Ginza" has a web magazine called "Ginza Ima ZINE" and a "word of mouth" corner where hot topics on street corners are transmitted.
Until now, "Tokyo Ubiquitous Project Ginza" has been conducting a demonstration experiment of a Ginza guide using a dedicated terminal, but this time it is now possible to do that with a smartphone. On the other hand, I am interested in how much it penetrates users. Chuo-ku Cultural Property Supporters, a volunteer guide, cooperate with the commentary of the Ginza Guide provided. ●Akira Makibuchi
