November, 2023

Hi ExplorOz Reader

Since our previous Traveller app newsletter (August), we've released a new version of Traveller with various minor updates. The main reason for this update is the introduction of a new section in the main app menu called "Help Guides." Each Help Guide covers a specific topic and replaces the old User Manual. Additionally, we've completely revamped the information on the Traveller webpage. It now includes the new Help Guides, which are available for download or printing from our website. To access these resources, please visit the Traveller page.

CHECK YOUR PERSONAL PLACES

One of the unique features found in ExplorOz Traveller that doesn't appear in other travel apps is the ability to create and save Personal Places. However, we've identified thousands of Places in Personal accounts that should be moved to the public database. To assist the community, we encourage you to review and transfer as many of your Personal Places to the public database as relevant. Please consider taking a moment to review and edit your Personal Places.

Here's how:- in Data Menu - select Places - select Personal. Look through your list. Swipe left then tap the Edit icon. To move your Place from Personal to Public the Edit option will open the Place Details screen and allow you to tap the EXPLOROZ button (provided you have changed the default Place Name from WPTxx to text). Then click SAVE.

Ideally, change the Place Type to the most relevant POI type, include features where relevant, add a useful description. Once it's saved - you can then open the Place, go to Updates, and enter a Comment (see how below), and also add photos if you haven't already. Note: delete any photos that are personal before you save to ExplorOz.

PUBLIC UPDATES

• Open any Place and tap "Updates". Leave a Comment and/or Rating (out of 5). Share information like current pricing, conditions, or any opinions you have about the place, whether positive or not. These comments are valuable to others, so include details that can help them decide if it's a worthwhile place to visit.
• Please note that the Edit and Move buttons on public/ExplorOz Places are not available when offline. If you discover an omission or error, simply write a Comment and admin will action this, alternatively, use the Personal Note area to remind yourself of what to edit when you're back online.
• Photos can be added both online and offline. From the Information screen, tap the green "Add Photos" button, and you can either choose an existing photo from your device's gallery or take a new one with your device's camera. Smartphones are ideal for this task.

FULLSCREEN MAP MODE

Were you aware that there's a handy setting that lets you clear all the buttons from your map screen while keeping the map centered on your location during your travels? This feature is particularly useful for those with small phone screens, and could be particularly handy for motorbike riders.

Once you've enabled the fullscreen map mode setting, you can easily bring the buttons back by tapping anywhere on the map screen. Give it a try, and if it doesn't suit your preferences, you can always revert to the default setting.

Here's how to access this feature: Go to the menu, navigate to Settings, select Map Screen, and then scroll down to the third-to-last option called "GPS Lock." The default setting is "Disable by Button," but you can change it to "FullScreen Mode." Once you've made this change, return to your map screen and tap the orange arrowhead (the GPS Lock) to enter fullscreen mode. You can bring back the controls by tapping the map. Fullscreen mode removes zoom controls, GPS Lock, Map Layers icon, Odometers icon, status bar, and menu controls. Give it a try!

WEB-APP ISSUES

For those Members who have recently encountered difficulties accessing the Webapp using Edge or Chrome browsers, we regret any inconvenience. Unexpectedly, we were informed by some app users about a new error message on the webapp that started yesterday. Further investigation today has revealed that updates to Chrome and Edge browsers have created compatibility issues with the Traveller webapp. Resolving this matter may take some time, likely weeks rather than days. In the interim, we recommend downloading and using the Opera web browser, which is fully compatible. We believe you'll find it quite pleasant to use. We will keep all app users updated once a solution for Chrome and Edge becomes available. We appreciate your patience and understanding.

END OF SUPPORT FOR WINDOWS VERSION

We regret to inform you that the Windows version of ExplorOz Traveller is approaching its end of life. This issue is primarily related to the infrastructure of the Windows app environment and the lack of suitable support for the necessary tools required to continue updating new features via the Microsoft Store. Additionally, there have been compatibility issues within the Windows environment, unlike Apple and Android platforms, which do not face these challenges.

What this means is that future updates for the ExplorOz Traveller app will no longer be available for the Windows platform. Customers currently using the Windows version of the Traveller app can still use it once it reaches end of life, but it will remain on the final version, with no further updates accessible.

REVIEWS

APP STORE REVIEWS

Could we kindly ask for your assistance in sharing a positive review of the Traveller app on the app store?

To write a review, follow these steps:

• Tap the icon on your device that takes you to the app store.
• Find the page for ExplorOz Traveller.
• Look for the Reviews section and click on the "Write a Review" link.

Ideas for your review:

If you encounter an issue, please don't post a review:

FACEBOOK GROUPS

Are you a member of any Facebook groups related to travel, camping, or caravanning? If so, we'd greatly appreciate it if you could mention ExplorOz and provide a link to the ExplorOz Traveller webpage, where you can find all the information to address people's questions. Simply copy and paste the following webpage link: www.exploroz.com/traveller Your support is invaluable!

EXPLOROZ PODCAST

Have you started tuning in to the ExplorOz Podcast? Episode 6 was just released today! You can listen to the podcast in audio-only format on Spotify or any other podcast platform. Alternatively, you can watch the podcast on YouTube.

Please remember to share your feedback and comments, and feel free to share it with your friends and other travel groups you're part of. Your support in promoting the podcast will inspire us to keep recording and sharing our exciting stories with you. We have many more ideas and can't wait to continue the journey with you.

GET CONNECTED

Are you connected with us on social media? We consistently share content on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook, and we'd be thrilled to have you join in. Feel free to comment, post, share your photos, and engage with the real, authentic, and friendly members of the ExplorOz community from Australia. We look forward to your participation!