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AMNH Explorer iPhone app brings history up to date
Zach Epstein
The American Museum of Natural History unveils its new AMNH Explorer app for iOS
AMNH Explorer for the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch was announced at a press event this morning
Published on Jul 29, 2010
The American Museum of Natural History this morning unveiled the latest addition to its mobile app portfolio, AMNH Explorer.
Available immediately for the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch, AMNH Explorer acts as a digital bridge between the museum-goer and the museum itself. It provides interactive maps, guided tours and a host of additional content for visitors to enjoy.
Beyond rich content, AMNH Explorer also provides "Indoor GPS," guiding the user to various exhibits through a series of 2-Dimensional and 3-Dimensional maps.
Made possible by a grant from Bloomberg L.P., AMNH Explorer utilizes a brand new network of Wi-Fi access points installed throughout the museum. Once connected, this free Wi-Fi network triangulates the location of any iPhone, iPad or iPod touch running the AMNH Explorer app, and tracks the user's location in real time.
With the app, museum-goers can navigate to various exhibits individually or using a virtual tour function. Visitors can also go on a "treasure hunt" that entails searching for exhibits based on clues and directions displayed on the device, or they can find the closest place to stop for a snack and take a break.
The app integrates with Facebook and Twitter as well, allowing users to share information about the various exhibits they encounter.
"Throughout its history, the American Museum of Natural History has been a pioneer in presenting science and culture to people in ever-new ways that are accessible, engaging, informative, and inspiring," American Museum of Natural History President Ellen V. Futter said in a press release. "Now, the trail-blazing Explorer applies cutting-edge technology to animate and enrich the museum-going experience."
AMNH Explorer [iTunes link] is available immediately as a free download from Apple's App Store, and is currently compatible with the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch.
The American Museum of Natural History has not announced plans to support additional platforms or devices. Users who do not own an iPhone, iPad or iPod touch will be able to borrow one of 350 iPod touch devices on hand at the museum, all of which have the AMNH Explorer app pre-loaded.
