Posts Tagged ‘lbs’

Brightkite 1.0.0 | Published by No Sleep Media LLC | Via App Store | Free | Released: 10-19-08

Overview

Brightkite is another entry into the magnanimous collection of lifestreaming tools and apps. It goes up against Twitter and even Facebook which significantly improved its status-streaming abilities this year. It may even knock off some lesser knowns like Plurk and Pownce.

Functionality

Brightkite combines the location services of apps like Whrrl and nrme with the microblogging features. With BK, you “check in” at a location by simply allowing your iPhone to place you. You can save placemarks for future use, and you can also view your friends’ activity streams.

In addition, you can view nearby folks, much like Twinkle’s nearby feature. Unfortunately, since Brightkite is still in Beta, you probably won’t see a lot of folks nearby. An invitation is relatively easy to score at this point. Simply email the good folks at Brightkite, and you should have a shiny invite waiting in your inbox quickly.
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Where To? GPS Points of Interest v1.1 | Published by Sophia Teutschler | Via App Store | $2.99 | Released: 9-10-08

Overview

Anytime an app promotes itself as sporting a “gorgeous user interface,” I get a little nervous. However, it was quirky enough when I loaded it up that I wondered if the meat was as good as the plate it was served on.

Where To? GPS Points of Interest seeks to help you identify, well, places of interest near your current location using the iPhone’s GPS abilities. It allows you to “dial” into all kinds of different places ranging from schools, entertainment, gas stations, and doctors’ offices or hospitals.

Functionality

When the app loads up, you’ll be presented with what looks like an old-fashioned rotary phone icon. Although you don’t dial it (which took some of the fun out of it), you are given a veritable smorgasbord of choices.

It utilizes the Google Maps to find anything and simply puts the key word you’ve selected into the Google Maps search. In a search for anything you are given the following options: Continue Reading

Graffitio v4.0 | Published by Green Bar Software | Via App Store | Free | Released: 8-29-08

Overview

Graffitio is another LBS app (location base services) that quickly pinpoints where you are and then seeks to connect you with other Graffitio users from your area, state and country. By allowing you to write on “walls” - which are simply message boards, you can leave your mark on that particular town or area of the country. I was surprised to see how many folks had already “graffitio’ed” on Arkansas even.

Functionality

When you first fire up your Graffitio app, it isn’t quite the same as shaking up your spray paint can in the dead of night, anxiously looking over your shoulder. You can’t even draw, for Pete’s sake. What you can do, however, is let others know that you’ve been here before. The way it does that is simple, clear, and you’ll find that you’re wanting to leave your mark everywhere… And without fear of defacing public property violations.

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nrme v1.0 | Published by nrme LLC | Via App Store | Free | Released: 8-19-08

Overview

nrme is a little, simple app that locates you and then helps you see other users of the app in your vicinity. it joins a growing list of other location-based service (LBS) apps on the iPhone.

Functionality

nrme certainly shows who is near me. And it made me feel exceptionally lonely. Cause no one was near me.

With nrme, you quickly set up an account, complete with a photo for your profile. Then the iPhone’s location grabber shows you a map (it uses Google maps), presumably with folks near you.

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Where? v1.0.1 | Published by uLocate Communications | Via App Store | Free | Released: 6-29-08

Overview

Where? is the review. Look no further. It’s here. Really.

OK, sorry… Where? was one of the first LBS (location based service) apps released with the App Store back in June. It’s had a significant update with version 1.0.1. You’ll be surprised at how versatile the app is. The horizontally-scrolling menu at the bottom of its screen can help you find all sorts of things - ranging from the nearest Starbucks to reviews on local restaurants. Where? really tries to help you find Whatever you’re looking for (and maybe that would be a better app name?).

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Whrrl v1.0.2 | Published by Pelago, Inc. | Via App Store | Free | Released: 7-04-08

Overview

Whrrl is a dynamic LBS (location based service) app that is designed to help keep you and your friends updated with each other’s whereabouts. It has a full-featured and attractive website that complements the app. You’ll want to download it today and tell everyone where in the Whrrl-d you are!

Functionality

You will need to sign in and create an account initially. After that, Whrrl will ask if it can use your current location. Obviously, you’ll want to say yes, but if not, you can be content with looking around someone else’s city with complete strangers’ input. Or not.
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