Voice Controlled Transciever Searches, Could it Reduce Stress?

This year, Ortovox released the Diract Voice. An normal avalanche transceiver in all other functions, except that during the search function, it audibly directs you. The Diract Voice is designed to keep the user on the right track while decreasing stress during a search.

Commands such as "Zig Zag __m until you find a signal", or "make a U-turn" might seem like a some weird car GPS system that would only add to the stress in the situation. However, in testing the Diract Voice, most reviewers actually found little issue with this. The device issues audio commands if the user makes a mistake, or there is significant lag time during the search operation, many believed it really did aid in search functionality.

One reviewer even performed a search blindfolded and was able to accurately get a probe strike.

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Ortovox Diract Voice

The Diract Voice is set to his the market September 2021, and it's sure to provide an interesting shake-up to the avalanche safety market.

Is this something taking away from user knowledge and skill? Or is this enhancing our ability to respond effectively in an emergency situation? We'll just have to wait and see.