Frequently asked questions
Answers to frequently asked questions:
LiveTours is an initiative of innovative entrepreneurs from the branch of guided tours and whisper sets, who observed guides struggling with the disadvantages of using whisper sets.
LiveTours is a communication platform and app with a prime focus on the support of guides during group guided tours.
• LiveTours is available for Apple iPhone and Android smart phones
• LiveTours provides high quality direct-in-ear audio group communication for guides; mentors and instructors. Own Smartphone ensures safe, trusted and hygienic use with no noise disturbance from the direct surroundings. In addition the guides spoken information can be supported with visual aids (photographs, drawings etc) through the LiveTours connection • LiveTours works optimally without internet connection
LiveTours is the only live audio app for guided tours that functions in locations where mobile internet is not available.
Participants use their own Smartphone and will never experience additional data costs
Although LiveTours is primarily developed for the tour guide organisations, there are numerous additional possibilities for usage, such as: company tours; instruction (education, seminars, training sessions) translator and interpreter use, to mention but a few!
LiveTours is available for use worldwide even in locations where there is no internet provided. And in all situations where a form of guiding with live audio communication is needed.
LiveTours is designed to provide the best experience during a guided tour even when there is poor or no internet connection. For optimal results LiveTours has implemented a specific high quality wifi travel router for guides. (Weighing only < 100 grams the router fits easily in a pocket or handbag.) The tour participants connect their Smartphone to the guide’s wifi router.
With the use of the router LiveTours easily accommodates groups consisting of up to 40 participants. For larger groups please contact LiveTours – info@livetours.com
The router also enables a distance of 25 meters between the guide and the participants. So groups can spread out and encircle the guide at a total of 50 meters… Approximately half the size of a football pitch!!
Tour preparation:
Guided tours can be purchased by individual guides via the LiveTours website and via the Smartphone app; after which the platform is activated and guided tours can start.
The guide purchases the wifi router in advance and connects it to his/her Smartphone. The guide can start up the tour via the Smartphone (app)
Participants download the LiveTours app via Google Play store or Apple store (preferably directly after purchasing a tour ticket) for free
Participants connect earplugs to their Smartphone (may also be supplied by the guide)
The participants connect their smartphone to the tour guides wifi router.
During the guided tour:
The guide speaks in a normal voice volume into his/her microphone and the participants listen through the earplugs.
The guide is also able to support the vocal information with visual aids transferred from his/her Smartphone to the participants Smartphone.
After the tour:
After the tour has finished the participants receive, via the app, an extract from the tour (digital brochure).
The guide and the participants can stop the app
Optionally the participants keep the earplugs (if provided by the guide)
Exactly! This is correct. LiveTours is designed and developed specifically for offline use. LiveTours has been tested in Rome, Paris, London and Amsterdam by professional guides and in real life situations.
During the test phase we realised that could not always rely on public internet connection. Top quality connection for guides and participants was most important issue especially in locations with poor or no internet connect such as historical buildings with thick walls and deep cellars. A separate mobile wifi router was the solution for optimal LiveTours usage.
An additional great advantage is that international tourists /participants do not need to purchase local SIM cards or continual switching to local public internet providers or networks.
LiveTours is designed to function independently of local availability and quality of public wifi or 3G/4G network connections. LiveTours requires the use of GL-iNet Slate Router (weighs only <100grams and fits easily into a pocket) ensuring LiveTours guarantee for professional quality and functionality.
Guides providing a wifi network for the tour participants guarantee a LiveTours experience with professional quality.
Purchase the award winning GL-iNet Slate Travel Router including standard USB Power Bank (5V/15000mAh) at Amazon. The compact router fits easily in a pocket or handbag. See: Tour instructions
The travel router is for immediate use (no additional settings needed). Connect it to your battery pack – switch it on – READY!!
- Tour Guide Account Registration with LiveTours – it’s free of charge!
- Make sure you have purchased (enough) tours to enable LiveTours activation
- In the LiveTours portal, attach photos/illustrations that you wish to share with tour participants
- Use a headset with microphone (wired of Bluetooth)
- Make sure you have the GL-iNet Slate wifi travel router with you
- Make sure your Smartphone is completely fully charged and the LiveTours app is already installed
- Consider to have extra (fully charged) power banks for ‘forgetful’ participants
- Use a Smartphone from 2018 or younger
We strongly advise participants to download the LiveTours app (free)
It is not necessary for guests to have a LiveTours account – direct tour participation is possible through the LiveTours app
Guests use their own earplugs/headsets (wired or Bluetooth)
Guests are advised to make sure before the tour commences that their Smartphone are completely fully charged
LiveTours advise participants to use a Smartphone from 2016 or younger
LiveTours is free for participants on a tour. The app can be downloaded free of charge (Apple Store or Google Play store)
Costs for a guide: once-only purchase costs for the wifi router and payment for the use of the LiveTours app for a group of participants regardless of the number of participants and the time-length of the tour
The wifi router costs €80 to €100 (Euros) including the battery.
Tours cost € 6,48 (Euros) per tour. A fraction of the hire price for whisper sets!
Purchased tours do not expire, or have a ‘use by date‘ and are valid until actually used
In the LiveTours partner-program there is a possibility for organisations to become a reseller. Based on correct conditions and clear reseller agreements, an organisation will be authorised to sell LiveTours products to customers.
Interested? For further information send an email to resellers@livetours.com
Yes definitely!
For this purpose we have developed a Software Development Kit (SDK) With which LiveTours can be integrated in your own app! Result? Your own app is therefore suitable for guiding groups with live audio communication.
If you have an existing app for your museum or campus? Integrate the LiveTours technology for guiding/communicating to groups.
Are you creating an app for a congress or exhibition? Reach out to more people with the addition of the LiveTours app and create live presentations.
Bus trip? Boat trip? On-site tours? Whatever the means of travel..Integrate LiveTours into your existing app for quality guiding; live audio communication and presentations.
Already have an app for students? Integrate LiveTours app for live lectures and live explanations at on-site excursions…
In short….the uses of LiveTours are never ending, limited only by your imagination…