Yes, it’s true. On Saturday morning, I waited in line for just over three hours to get my hands on the new iPhone 3G.
It was a long wait, but I’m glad I did it. In a way, it was kind of a rite of passage.
Now on the faster data network, called 3G, the new iPhone is noticeably faster on anything that requires the data connection. Microsoft Exchange, which I set up for my work email and calendar, works wonderfully well. And the new GPS feature is exceptionally convenient for finding nearby restaurants while I’m on the go.
But the game changer, undoubtedly, is the new applications that can be downloaded to the phone. I’ve been trying out a bunch of the new applications, and I’d like to talk about a few location based apps today.
Loopt
Loopt is a location based social networking application. Users can sign up (the service is available for iPhone and Blackberry users, amongst others) and using GPS geotargeting, see where their friends are located by viewing icons on a map overlay. You can also use a search function to find local businesses, with reviews provided by Yelp. You can also update your status, much like the Facebook status, and upload pictures for friends to view. I found the user interface to be pretty easy and seamless. However, the search functionality for finding nearby businesses is fine if you know what you’re looking for, but doesn’t provide initial options to help narrow the choices (i.e. restaurants, bars, coffee shops, etc.). With so many options in Chicago, it really helps to have some initial buttons to narrow the choices.
Whrrl
I’ve also been using an application called Whrrl. Whrrl is very similar to Loopt, in that it is a location based social networking app that shows friend locations on a map directly on your mobile phone. However, where Loopt has it’s strength in it’s social networking features, Whrrl shines more with it’s ability to help the user find nearby restaurants, bars or places with free Wi-Fi. Unfortunetly, while the map can be moved around, it can’t be resized, a feature that seems like it would be much needed if the user isn’t using the phone in a dense area.
Yelp
I had heard of Yelp before my new iPhone, but I didn’t really start using it until I downloaded the application recently. While it doesn’t have the social networking features of Loopt or Whrrl, it does an amazing job at helping users find nearby restaurants, bars and other points of interest. The application easily allows users to search based on business type, distance, price, whether it’s currently open, and by neighborhood just to name a few. Users can also utilize Yelp’s arguably best feature, user reviews. The amount of really decent content provided by users gives me faith in the power of user generated content.
If you have an iPhone, new or old, I’d suggest giving these apps a try. All three of them are worth a look. While you’re at it, add me as a friend!
