July 7, 2009
News to Us: The Year for Location?, Subway Apps, AIM Lifestreams and More
2009: The Year of LBS (Location-Based Services) [ReadWriteWeb]
This is the year for location. No, really, THIS year. I know we said that last year (and the year before) but this is it for real. Well, according to Gartner it is. They predict that the LBS market is going to double in revenue and size in the next year thanks to decreased cost and wider availability of user-friendly apps.
Cellphones Leave Electronic Tracks for Investigators, Raising Privacy Concerns [NYT]
As LBS become more mainstream, issues of safety and privacy will take center stage. This article cites two murder cases that were partly resolved thanks to cell phone tower tracking.
Maps of Subway Platforms, Now on Your Mobile Phone [NYTimes]
It's a favorite pasttime of New Yorkers to strategize what subway car will drop them nearest to an exit. Now even tourists can act like seasoned subway riders with this new app for the iPhone called Exit Strategy that maps subway exits. Just be sure to cue it up before heading into the subway -- reception is still required.
Video: Nearest Tube iPhone App Augments Reality with Directions [Engadget]
If you thought Exit Strategy was hot, check out Nearest Tube. The "augmented reality" app uses the new iPhone 3GS's camera, compass and GPS to show you where the nearest tube stop is just by tilting it. (You just have to watch it.)
AOL Instant Messenger Begins Life As A Twitter, Facebook App [BusinessInsider]
AOL has just released a beta version of its new AIM client that integrates Twitter and Facebook so you can follow your friends, plus Youtube and Delicious so you can bookmark/send links to videos and sites. All these feature are found under the "Lifestream" tab, and the feature promises to hold even more social sites.
Finally, A Decent Website To Browse Android Apps [TechCrunch]
Facilitating user interaction and involvement with a product or platform is as crucial as the design of the product itself. This is where Google's Android market falls short. Androlib takes a stab at the problem with a full-fledged searchable and rateable directory of Android apps.
Christian Dior Makes Fashion Statement with Mobile Marketing [Mobile Marketer]
Fashion is slowly getting its feet wet on the mobile platform, perhaps understanding that they can reach their clients in other ways that TV and magazines. Following Chanel and Style.com, Dior just launched an iPhone app showcasing their latest ad campaign called "Lady Marion".
Research Roundup: Pew Social Trends, MobileYouth & More [Ypulse]
Our friends at Ypulse give you the latest report on youth media awareness, age perception, and more.
