uMapper (umapper.com or @umapper) is an amazing web service enabling users to quickly and easily create awesome, embeddable flash maps for their blog or website. Recently, the creators have built a map that enables users to view Tweets coming from Vancouver BC discussing what else, the 2010 Olympics! What a great service… the app shows a map of the Vancouver, B.C region (powered by Google maps) along with twitter icon images from users that are Geo-Tweeting from Vancouver. Using the map, visitors can click on icons, this reveals the contents of the tweet, along with a link directly to twitter where you can than follow the person. Awesome stuff! Check it out at See http://www.umapper.com/maps/view/id/55334/
Archives for February 12, 2010
Mobile Industry Review Reminds me, Hey developers Keep It Simple Stupid (KISS)
Keep It Simple Stupid (KISS), these words are forever stuck in my mind, although I seem to forget about them periodically, and I know that many app developers forget these words. After monitoring, analyzing, interpreting, and blogging about mobile app development for the past decade these words still ring true and are perhaps the best words of advice you can offer to any app developer (web or mobile) – make it simple to use, don’t try to do everything, and do what you aim to do and do it freakin well!
Case in point, another fine edition of the Mobile Industry Review (MIR) came out today (thanks Ewan) and there was mention of an app that Ewan’s wife simply loves – enter TouchNote (http://www.touchnote.com/). Here’s a user that is so captivated by a fantastic app that she’s willing to switch carriers and device in order to use the app… I have no doubt that there’s many of you out there that select a carrier or device mainly for a couple of apps or services (maybe you like to Tweet via iPhone, or Qik Vlog via the G1 Android). But here’s the point I’m trying to make… I recall being at a special Nokia Developer event a few years ago in Paris and was introduced to an amazing mobile app very similar to TouchNote… it was fun, simple to use, and most important, it accomplished what it was supposed to do. Even today, about 8 years later I still think of that app and still consider it one of those killer mobile apps that I would gladly pay for to use (Yes, that’s right, pay for an app… what a concept!!). And so, this may be trivial but it’s so important for you developers, keep it simple, don’t try to do everything, make it fun, and make sure you attach the proper price point to your app – oh, and if your app is amazing, don’t be afraid to actually sell it instead of giving it away.
WeatherUnderground Gets fullscreen and keeps getting better
Are you still jumping to weather.com for weather updates?? IF so STOP IT and check out Weatherunderground. the latest update from the team is the new, fullscreenweather, a service optimized for iPad – although you can use it on any PC! Hit weatherunderground and you get a nice map, then enter your ZIP code to be taken to a local view. then you can quickly access temperatures, precipitation, 5 day forecasts, switch map views to map/satellite, terrain etc… very nice. See more details in their latest PR or check out fullscreenweather.com
Olympic Attendees Collaborate on CodeCanada
An interesting social media sharing effort is in place by the Canada Tourism Commission via the Code Canada project. Explore cool images via a Flash or html UI and share via social media. About the effort… To be part of this extraordinary event, all people need to do is head to code.vancouver2010.com now to access the invite. On February 12 during the Opening Ceremony, an official Olympic souvenir will be delivered digitally to those that have signed up for the experience as well as a coveted digital ticket to a global social media event that will give participants the opportunity to be a virtual participant at the Closing Ceremony. See code.vancouver2010.com