iPhone English: Streetmuseum

I've been away from the blog for a few weeks for reasons which I will write about another time. But for this week's post, I'm starting a new series on useful iPhone applications to help you improve your English and make the most out of your time in London.

A few months ago on this blog I wrote a short series on useful iPhone applications for learning English.  You can see the original series here.  Over the past few weeks I’ve been delving into this interesting and fast-moving area of technology once more, and over the summer I’ll be sharing with you some of my favourite apps.

Well, first up is Streetmuseum from The Museum of London.  This excellent app is like having your own private tour guide in your pocket.  Whether it's your first time in the capital or you know London like the back of your hand, the app gives you a glimpse into London's rich and varied history through the hundreds of images of London sights. The pictures and paintings, taken from the museum’s own archives, show both momentous and everyday occasions from the best-known landmarks to the lesser-known haunts. 

The really clever thing about the app is the 3D option.  Let’s say for example that you’re strolling through Hyde Park.  Open the app and select one of the locations in the park and use your phone's GPS to find it.  Once you've found the location, hold your phone’s camera up to the present street scene and the app will show you the same scene from the past.  The images range from the Great Fire of London in 1666 up to Princess Diana’s funeral in 1997 and offer a completely unique outlook on London.

With summer just around the corner (I promise!), this is a great app for exploring our great capital.  And the best thing is it’s absolutely free.  You can download the app here, or visit The Museum of London’s website here.  I'd love to know what you think of it.

By Andy

Glossary

to delve into - (phr.v.) to look closely at or to research

to know sth like the back of your hand - (idiom) to know something very well through experience

glimpse - (n.) a brief look at something

archives - (n.) a collection of data

momentous - (adj.) used to describe an event of great importance or far-reaching consequence

haunts - (n.) a place that is visited frequently

strolling - (v.) walking for pleasure

GPS - (abbr.) Global Positioning System