LVS devices · Test magazine 2026
Tech talk with Dieter Kotlaba, Ortovox
Senior Product Manager Safety · Print page 127
Tests, reviews and background on Ortovox
Ortovox taught the avalanche transceiver to speak. What was the specific key moment in development when you knew: We have to take this new path?
For us, as a mountain sports brand, it was a logical step to ask ourselves how we can reduce the level of stress that each of us has to deal with in the event of a real avalanche accident. Research shows that language can help enormously in reducing stress levels, which consequently makes you a better and faster rescuer. Voice navigation has been a huge success since 2021 and is of course also included in our new devices for this winter, Focus Voice and Focus Pro.
In an emergency, there is sheer panic. Have you proven in your tests that voice navigation measurably shortens search time compared to classic beeps?
Yes, the Medical University of Innsbruck conducted a scientific field study on this. On the one hand, the search times were compared - the same people searched once with and once without voice navigation. At the same time, the research team determined the stress levels of the test subjects before, between and after the search runs. The results: Voice navigation can significantly reduce stress levels. In addition, everyone who searched using voice navigation achieved a significantly shorter search time in the second test run - which suggests a better learning effect through voice navigation.
When the weather is bad, the noise can be deafeningly loud. How does Ortovox ensure that voice commands can be understood in the face of howling wind, screaming or helicopter noise?
Anyone who uses our devices a lot in the field will notice that they can hear and understand the voice commands surprisingly well. On the one hand, this is due to the acoustics of the loudspeaker, which we have consistently optimized in order to be able to play speech as loudly and clearly as possible. The new Focus Voice also uses new AI-supported language models. This makes the commands sound even more human, which also helps. Of course, there are extreme exceptional situations in which individual commands cannot be understood. However, these are very rare and you can always rely on the clear and large display.
Ortovox uses a built-in rechargeable battery instead of AAA batteries. What do you say to skeptics who are afraid that the device will run out of juice on a multi-day winter tour?
With a rechargeable battery, I primarily see the advantages over disposable batteries. Our service statistics show: Leaking batteries are the most common reason for sudden device failure. With a full battery, Ortovox avalanche transceivers transmit for around 300 hours - that corresponds to 50 operational days of six hours each. Another advantage of the battery is that you can recharge it as soon as it falls below 70%, for example - this can also be done on the train, with a power bank or in the hut and is definitely easier than finding disposable batteries on the go.
You've already touched on the new Focus Voice, which is coming out this winter. What made new development necessary?
Standing still is never good. We are always looking for the best solutions to make mountaineering safer and have brought some real innovations to the market since we founded the company. The Focus Voice provides the best possible support in stressful situations with voice navigation. It has a search strip width of 80 m, which stands for maximum performance and makes it one of the leading devices on the market. Our Smart Antenna technology is also installed, which offers everyone maximum protection. If you are buried, the device detects its orientation and automatically switches to the best transmitting antenna, so poor coupling positions are avoided and you can be found more quickly. Overall, the Focus Voice is a really powerful device for experienced tourers and beginners alike.
