The 20 mobile apps riding the new wave of location innovation

 

The SXSW festival in Austin has become something of a pilgrimage for social and/or location-based startups, hoping to follow in the footsteps of Twitter and Foursquare in using the event as a launchpad for success.

At the same time, the ease with which developers can create location-based services by tying into datasets and APIs from Google, Facebook, Foursquare and others is driving a burst of activity around location andapps, principally around iPhone and Android.

Here's a list of 20 apps that are part of this new wave of location innovation. All face the same three challenging questions: 1 How do they find an audience? 2 How do they make money? 3 If they're successful, how will they avoid being cannibalised by Facebook? Few have answers now, but this is nevertheless a snapshot of some of the more interesting ideas in the area.

 

Ditto (iPhone)

Rather than ask what you're doing right now, Ditto prompts you to update your plans for what you're about to do, and then get recommendations from friends for restaurants, films or attractions, hooking into Facebook's social graph.

 

Yobongo (iPhone)

Launching just in time for SXSW, Yobongo is all about location-based messaging, promising to help its users "get started communicating with people around you". For now, it only works in New York, Austin and San Francisco though.

 

Shadow Cities (iPhone)

Location-based games are enjoying a second wind on iOS and Android, with Shadow Cities the latest attempt to turn real-world cities into massively multiplayer games. Hugely popular in its native Finland, it's launching globally this year.

 

Lonely Planet Audio Walking Tours (iPhone)

Travel firm Lonely Planet recently launched five walking-tour apps based on central London. Covering the West End, Covent Garden, the City, Spitalfields and the Southbank, they tie audio to location, plotting walks on Google Maps.

 

Flowd (iPhone/Android/Nokia)

Flowd is another Finnish startup whose app starts with Foursquare-style check-ins, but then wraps music features around them. Users can follow bands' updates and tips, while uploading photos from gigs and entering contests.

 

StreetSpark (iPhone/Android)

Location-based dating has some challenges to overcome – specifically concern about stalking – but StreetSpark is one of a clutch of apps looking to hook singles up spontaneously. Its social matching process aims to ensure they hit it off, too.

 

Ask Around (iPhone)

Ask.com started life as the Ask Jeeves search engine, but its latest spinoff is a location-based conversation app. The emphasis is on questions and answers, with users able to tap into local knowledge when finding themselves somewhere unfamiliar.

 

Screach (iPhone / Android)

UK startup ScreenReach recently worked with Newcastle FC to allow fans at the club's stadium to vote for the man of the match using its Screach app. That's one use for Screach, but there are others – it can be used for coupons, content, voting and gaming.

 

Situationist (iPhone)

Situationist is less about meeting friends than it is about meeting strangers in surprising ways. Users choose from a selection of scenarios, from impromptu hugs to angry flashmobs, and then wait for other users to detect their presence and carry them out.

 

My Star (iPhone)

My Star is a collaboration between UK developer Mobile Pie and operator Orange. It's a social music game where players level up their character and jam with friends. The location aspect involves plastering virtual flyers in real-world locations.

 

View (iPhone)

Like Yobongo, View is an app making its debut at SXSW that currently only works in New York, San Francisco and Austin. Its focus is on discovering information and tips about nearby venues, tapping into the Foursquare and Google Places APIs.

 

Love Clean London (iPhone/Android/BlackBerry/Windows Phone 7)

Even London Mayor Boris Johnson has his finger in the apps pie, having announced this week a new initiative called Love Clean London. Its app aims to encourage citizen activism, as people report graffiti and other "environmental crimes" by uploading photos.

 

Short Stack App (iPhone)

Australian pop-punk band Short Stack are one of the first artists with their own social location app on iPhone. It lets fans check in to gigs Foursquare-style to earn points as part of the app's loyalty programme, which can then be exchanged for rewards.

 

payasUgym (iPhone)

The name says it all: payasUgym is all about buying one-off e-passes to use gyms, currently across London. Its iPhone app takes the process mobile, allowing users to search for local gyms on a map, and then buy an e-pass there and then to use them.

 

Localmind (iPhone)

Another startup hoping to make a splash at SXSW this year by splicing location with questions and answers. With Localmind users can see who is checked in to a specific venue via Foursquare, Facebook Places or Gowalla, and send them a question – with a points system to reward answers.

 

Broadcastr (iPhone/Android)

Broadcastr styles itself as providing "location-award audio and storytelling", and is making its debut at – you guessed it – SXSW. It lets people record audio clips and associate them to locations, for others to tune into when using the app in that spot.

 

RedRover (iPhone)

RedRover takes a more niche spin on the idea of a location-based social network, focusing purely on parents. With a slogan of "make playdates on the fly", it helps groups of friends with children to arrange impromptu meet-ups, while finding child-safe locations.

 

Heyo (iPhone/Android)

Heyo doesn't revolve around locations, but around events – parties, meetups, sports and so on. It ties in with Facebook and Twitter to provide calendar notifications. There is a location aspect though, with the app identifying friends' events in the user's vicinity.

 

Unsocial (iPhone/Android)

A lot of social location apps put their emphasis on partying, but there's arguably as great a need for business-focused apps too. Unsocial ties into LinkedIn to help people find relevant work contacts at events, such as conferences, including messaging features.

 

Hot Spots @ SXSW (iPhone/Windows Phone 7)

PR group Waggener Edstrom has its own SXSW app that aims to pinpoint the most popular events by crunching data from Foursquare check-ins. This idea of aggregating and analysing data from the bigger social location services is likely to fuel more apps in 2011.

That's our list of 20, now tell us what we've missed. What innovative and interesting location apps have you seen that you think have a shot at building a business? Which of the ones above do you think have legs? Join the debate by posting your thoughts.

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'Angry Birds Rio' Debuting Via Amazon App Store

The Android App Store has yet to officially launch, but one of its first apps will be "Angry Birds Rio," game developer Rovio confirmed Monday.

The new version of the popular game, which ties into the Twentieth Century Fox movie "Rio," will debut exclusively on the Android App Store. Amazon did not say when its App Store will launch, but Rovio said Angry Birds Rio will be available on March 22.

The Amazon App Store will also feature ad-free versions of Angry Birds and Angry Birds Seasons, Rovio said. The games are currently available for free on the Android Market with ads; Rovio did not say how much the ad-free versions will cost, but they are $0.99 via the Apple App Store.

"The Android platform has seen phenomenal growth, and it's great that new avenues for app distribution are opening up," Mikael Hed, CEO of Rovio, said in a statement. "The openness of the Android platform works for the benefit of consumers and developers alike. It has been delightful to team up with Amazon to bring the Angry Birds franchise to this great new application marketplace."

Angry Birds Rio will launch with 60 levels, with more content to follow via app updates, Rovio said. It will also be released via the App Store for iOS users.

Amazon announced in January that it was building its own app store, opening a developer portal for those interested in creating apps for Android-based devices. Earlier this month, there were reportsthat the store would launch in late March, but Amazon has not yet made any announcements.

Amazon better make sure it can withstand the Angry Birds onslaught. When Rovio first launched the Android version of Angry Birds, it was distributed through independent app store GetJar. The overwhelming demand for the game, however, quickly took down the GetJar and Rovio Web sites, prompting Rovio to also offer Angry Birds via the Android Market.

Rovio announced plans for Angry Birds Rio in January. It will be released as a tie-in with the movie, which follows a macaw named Blu, who leaves his native Minnesota for Rio when he meets Jewel, the bird of his dreams. It will be in theaters starting April 15.

Rovio made headlines this weekend when "Mighty Eagle" Peter Vesterback was quoted at SXSW as saying that console games are dying. Rovio later tweeted that "the comment wasn't that console games [are] dying, [but] about the business model of shipping plastic discs. Digital wins."

Vesterback was "just saying [the] iPad3 and 4 will be out before next console generation," Roviotweeted in another message.

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Apple iPad 2 Spring Launch is Bad for Android Honeycomb Tablets

A lot of hearsay and speculation floated around Apple Feb. 22, as financial analysts reported that Apple's iPad 2 follow-up to the smash-hit tablet that sold some 15 million units would be pushed back. Taiwanese brokerage Yuanta Securities said production bottlenecks at Apple's manufacturing partner Hon Hai may delay the iPad 2 launch by as much as two months, pushing it to June. Clearly feeling the need to respond, Apple invited the media to a March 2 press event in San Francisco. So what does this all mean? It means the high-tech industry is in full-time iPad 2 watch mode. This couldn't come at a worse time for tablet computers based on Google's Android 3.0 "Honeycomb" operating system. Honeycomb machines such as the Motorola Xoom offer premium features to differentiate from the inaugural iPad, and the idea is to get these to market before the iPad 2 arrives to entice consumers. But several Honeycomb tablets are about to hit the market, each of which may cannibalize enough of the others’ sales to prevent any one of them from grabbing much market share away from the iPad. If Apple unveils the iPad 2 March 2, it would likely get it into consumers' hands in late March or early April, giving the Xoom only a month of sell time without the iPad 2 as a rival. The timing is worse for Android tablets arriving later this spring. Here we list just some of the tablets that a March iPad launch could impede.

iPad 2 Invitation

The media began receiving these invites from Apple Feb. 23, leaving little to the imagination.

No Xoom Boom

Motorola is banking on the Xoom, which launched Feb. 24 from Best Buy and Verizon Wireless, to stand out from the iPad. It certainly fits this bill, with its 10.1-inch screen, 3D graphics and 1GHz dual-core processor. But it does cost $799, unsubsidized, and $599 with a two-year data plan from Verizon Wireless. Will consumers be reluctant to buy it, with an iPad 2 coming down the pike?

T-Mobile G-Slate

Launching in March from T-Mobile the G-Slate is actually the LG Optimus Pad tablet powered by Honeycomb. The product, coming from LG, a smartphone maker that hasn't exactly cultivated a lot of success with Android, and T-Mobile, the smallest U.S. wireless carrier, will have a tough go against the iPad 2.

Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1

Powered by a 1GHz dual-core chip, the 10.1-inch, 1,280-by-800 (WXGA) TFT (thin-film transistor) Galaxy Tab tablet will compete with the Xoom Honeycomb tablet in Europe when it goes on sale through Vodafone this spring. Samsung proved with the Galaxy Tab it can build a fine tablet. Unfortunately, Samsung hasn't offered a timeline for a U.S. launch. That means that by the time it arrives stateside, the iPad 2 could have sold millions of the 50 million or so tablets analysts expect to ship this year.

Toshiba Tablet

This unnamed tablet is launching this spring with a 10.1-inch screen, rubberized finish and swappable battery. The latter two features are major differentiators from the iPad design. But Toshiba has as yet had no device in the Android race, making its tablet entry questionable in a sea of Honeycomb gadgets.

HTC Flyer

Wait a minute, you say. The HTC Flyer, which sports a stylus and HTC Sense UI, is launching with Android 2.4 this spring. Very true, but it's also getting the Honeycomb bump later in the second quarter, at which point the iPad 2 will have, of course, shipped millions.

Acer Iconia Tab A500

Acer's first Android tablet, the Iconia Tab A500 sports a 10-inch screen that plays 1080p HD video. The device ships in April, which is presumably when the iPad 2 will land. Good luck, Acer.

Dell Streak 10

This is just vaporware right now, but not really. Engadget sourced Dell as promising a Streak 10 tablet running Honeycomb later this year, likely well behind the Honeycomb pack. The blog blew up the Streak 7 to the 10-inch size here.

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10 Promising Non-Apple iPad Tablets to Hit Store Shelves In 2011

 

In 2010, the tablet space was dominated by a single company: Apple. The firm’s iPad was the most recognizable and worthwhile tablet in the space. The vast majority of consumers realized that it was better than any other device on the market. Admittedly, it wasn’t a difficult decision. The Dell Streak featured a 5-inch display and an out-dated version of Android. The JooJoo tablet came from an unknown company with a short past. Samsung’s Galaxy Tab, while arguably the best iPad alternative, was running Android 2.2, which Google itself said wasn’t ready for tablets. But 2011 will be a different story altogether. The iPad will continue to be the tablet to beat this year, but several companies, including LG, Acer and Motorola, among others, will be entering the space this year. Any one of them could very well deliver an experience that customers had been hoping for last year. Those who are interested in learning a bit more about those tablets should click through the following slides. The upcoming tablets won’t carry the Apple logo, but they could be the best alternatives to the iPad for any customer.

Motorola Xoom

The Motorola Xoom is arguably one of the most anticipated tablets to be released this year. The tablet comes with a 10.1-inch display, supports video conferencing, thanks to a front-facing camera, and has a dual-core processor. The device is running Android 3.0 Honeycomb, the best tablet-ready operating system Google has ever released. Excitement is running rampant on this one. And at $799 for a 3G version that’s upgradable to 4G, it’s understandable.

Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1

The Samsung Galaxy Tab has been the most popular Android tablet yet. But now it’s being updated with a 10.1-inch display, a 1GHz dual-core processor, and support for HSPA+. Perhaps most importantly, it’ll be running Android 3.0 Honeycomb when it launches later this year. The tablet is shaping up to be the device that the Samsung Galaxy Tab should have been.

LG Optimus Pad

The LG Optimus Pad is one of the more exciting tablet announcements this year. The device features an 8.9-inch display, and like many of the others in the market, will ship with Android 3.0 Honeycomb. But its key feature is 3D support. Users will be able to view 3D content on the device and 3D video can be shared with 3DTVs. The device is expected to retail for about $800 when it ships later this year.

HTC Flyer

The HTC Flyer could find itself lost among the many larger tablets that will be made available this year. The device will come with a 7-inch display and feature a 1.5GHz processor. In addition, it offers a 3D home screen. HTC is trying to position the Flyer as a top investment for enterprise customers that want to be more mobile. But by the looks of things, it might be best-suited for consumers looking for a slimmer option than some of the bulkier tablets on the market. Expect the Flyer to hit store shelves in the second quarter.

Acer Iconia Tab A500

The Acer Iconia Tab A500’s name is a bit of a mouthful, but the device promises to pack quite a punch. It will feature a 10.1-inch display when it launches and offer the ability for users to play video games in HD as well as 3D titles from the Web. It comes with the dual-core 1GHz Nvidia Tegra processor and will support access to Verizon’s 4G network. The tablet should be running Android 3.0 Honeycomb when it launches in April for an undisclosed price.

RIM BlackBerry PlayBook

The RIM BlackBerry PlayBook is designed with enterprise customers in mind. The device runs RIM’s new BlackBerry Tablet OS made by QNX Software, the company it acquired last year. The device comes with a 7-inch display and will be able to connect to 4G networks. It will support video conferencing and BlackBerry Enterprise Server to help the device appeal more to corporate customers. It’s expected to launch in March or April.

Cisco Cius

The upcoming Cisco Cius, which is scheduled to be made available later this year, is another tablet designed with enterprise customers in mind. It will run Android 2.2 and feature a 7-inch display. Cisco said that its tablet will ship with 3G connectivity, but 4G connectivity is “planned.” In addition, the device is designed to be integrated into existing Cisco products in the enterprise. By the looks of things, the Cius could very well be the device IT decision-makers could be looking for.

Dell Streak 10

Dell has been relatively tight-lipped about the Streak 10, but the company has revealed that the device will be running Android 3.0 Honeycomb and come with a 10.1-inch display. The company says it will be made available sometime this year, but it hasn’t revealed any pricing. Whether the Streak 10 will be able to perform better than last year’s Streak 5 or this year’s Streak 7 remains to be seen.

HP TouchPad

The HP TouchPad is one of the most anticipated tablets expected to hit store shelves this year. The tablet runs webOS and comes with a 9.7-inch display, like the iPad. The device will ship with WiFi connectivity and offer either 16GB or 32GB worth of storage, depending on the model customers choose. The tablet also will integrate well with the company’s upcoming Pre 3 smartphone, allowing customers to answer calls and receive text messages by simply connecting the two devices. The tablet will ship this summer.

Unnamed Toshiba Tablet

Toshiba has been quite tight-lipped about its upcoming tablet. The company hasn’t even revealed the name for it yet. But what it did show off has been quite impressive. The device will come with Android 3.0 Honeycomb and feature a 16:10 720p HD 10.1-inch display. The device also runs Nvidia’s Tegra 2 processor and comes with both a front- and rear-facing camera. Perhaps most importantly, for enterprise customers especially, it comes with a replaceable battery.

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Microsoft Tablets Could Borrow Best Parts from Windows Phone 7

 

Lighter UI

Microsoft seems determined to cling to Windows for its tablets currently on the market. However, the OS comes across as ungainly versus Android and iOS. In its place, Microsoft could consider a touch-optimized, "lighter" user interface more in line with what you find on a smartphone.

Low Cost

The Motorola Xoom and the higher-end Apple iPads represent the top of the tablet market’s price range, at around $800. Most other competitors fall somewhere between $550 and $700. If Microsoft and its tablet partners really want to make an impact, they’ll aim for the lower side of the price spectrum

Hardware

At the moment, tablets are transitioning to dual-core processors to power apps, games and Web cruising. By the time Microsoft begins its big tablet push, the hardware baseline for tablets will doubtlessly have risen into more powerful ranges. Microsoft’s tablet strategy needs to set tough standards for what’s acceptable in terms of screen resolution, processors and other areas.

USB and Peripherals

There exists a tricky line between providing a slimmed-down tablet (truly a "post-PC" device, in Apple CEO Steve Jobs’ words) and something with enough features to cover a wide variety of possible functions. To that end, Microsoft and its partners could err on the side of installing a number of hardware features, such as multiple USBs, on the tablet form factor—something that at least some power users might appreciate.

Regulation

With Windows Phone 7, Microsoft demonstrated that it was willing to impose a strict set of requirements on its manufacturing partners in order to prevent fragmentation and make software updates (somewhat) easier to manage. It could well do the same with tablets.

Other Assets

As with Windows Phone 7, Microsoft could (and maybe should) focus on a tablet experience that bakes other company properties into the tablet UI, including Xbox, Office and SharePoint.

Battery Life

If the current spate of tablets proves anything, it’s that any new competitor on the market needs to place battery life at an absolute premium.

Developers! Developers! Developers!

Windows Phone 7 demonstrated how aggressively courting the developer community to develop apps, months before a platform’s release, can translate into small but steady dividends. While WP7 doesn’t boast an app library the size of Google’s or Apple’s, it has so far managed to avoid the fate of Palm and RIM in that category. With any tablet, Microsoft will need to ensure it has an app developer plan in place.

Xbox Integration

Microsoft’s secret weapon with tablets could be integration with Xbox Live. Easily the company’s most successful consumer franchise, Xbox could give a Microsoft tablet a built-in gamer audience.

Stylus

Fujitsu’s Q550 tablet already boasts the ability to write with a stylus, in addition to touch input. A deeply ingrained ability to treat a tablet’s surface like paper could go far in expanding its user base to writers, artists and designers.

Security

Security features such as an embedded security chip and encrypted SSD could make a Windows tablet that much more appealing to enterprise users.

Carriers

While it’s too soon to tell whether it will ultimately succeed over others in the tablet market, Samsung’s early experience launching the Galaxy Tab on multiple carriers drew a lot of buzz. A similar blanket strategy could also serve Microsoft well, ensuring its tablets get high visibility.

{Source: eWeek}