Pharos: coupling GSM and GPS-TALK technologies to provide orientation, navigation and location-based services for the blind

Millions of people are already experiencing with GSM the freedom of going mobile for voice and Internet access. This freedom is reshaping every aspect of our lives; the way we do business, the way we buy things and the way we communicate. For the blind, when combined with GPS, it could also add the freedom of movement. The paper considers the development, implications and application of a new GSM service, called "Pharos", which is a combination of the latest advanced technology, in the form of a navigation mobile phone (a combined GPS+GSM device), location-based services and talking map software.