This is an interesting twist and take on technology.
The Vatican is lending iPods to pilgrims in a pilot program aimed at coupling ancient basilicas with modern technology to lower the noise level from tour guide chatter.
You can now tour Rome’s oldest basilica with an iPod Touch on loan.
How do they make sure you return the iPod?
You simply fork-over your ID, Passport, or some other personal document, and you’re ready to tour the ancient basilicas with modern tech in hand.
The iPods have been loaded with a specially designed app that allows users to access information and pictures of the basilica’s art and architecture, as well as offering facts and details about Christian history.
Those touring with the iPod, can zoom-in on high-res photos, as well as download restricted images from the Vatican Library that are not usually seen by the public.
This is a pilot program starting this week, but after trying it through the end of the year, they plan on rolling it out to more basilicas in Rome.
This is a great use of tech. With GPS technology natively built into most smartphones, I’m thinking this would be great for museums and tourist attractions in the United States, too. However, with far less of an investment, museums could built a downloadable app, that would function based on your GPS location.
How cool would that be?
[via Fox News & Christian Post | Image via sgatto]
James Cooper says
That’s really cool.
Shame they can’t do something about the Vatican website. It was ‘relaunched’ earlier this month and is er, not good (like there’s not even a doctype and plenty of tables…)! Matthew Warner has done a very good review at: http://www.ncregister.com/blog/the-new-vatican-website-redesign-is?
Eric Dye says
Interesting. I would be interested, more specifically, who built the site. For an Italian site, it’s not as bad as he paints it. If I had to guess, I would say it wasn’t built States side.
Rodlie Ortiz says
Great idea. Wish it would have been around when I toured the vatican. I had to pay some decent bucks for a guide and, yes, it was decently noisy.
Eric Dye says
Always decent bucks, especially when you convert from the USD to EUR!