As the App Store continues to grow, the amount of location based applications also continues a steady rate. As of the first week in January, there were over 800 applications available for download that use location from Skyhook Wireless as a core functionality. What is exciting about this continued growth is that location based applications are expanding into all application types. There are uses for location within Healthcare & Fitness, Music, Finance and even Games with the new “iMob Wars”.

We are now finding applications designed specifically to help one locate almost anything. You can download “Ice Cream Lover” to find the closest ice cream store or “Off Leash” for your local leash free dog park. There are dozens of applications like Red Rocket in the Toronto area that can tell you when your next train, bus, or subway car will be leaving. Find a doctor, find a home, find a job, and find a friend, all in relation to where you are, all now possible and available for download.

Since there are so many ways to use location in iPhone applications, we are now seeing more inventive and creative ways to use this technology, as well as some really innovative and useful applications. “Funky-o-Meter” is unlike other location searches, as it seeks out the most “funky and chill” places for you to try out. There is also the option to rate the funkiness of a venue. Also, an inventive way to use location is with “Have2P” application, which locates public restrooms, shows them on a map and can even identify if the restroom has a baby changing station.

Also with apps like “Forkfly” you can not only find places to dine close by, but you can receive discounts and coupons to use when you arrive. “Around me” is a great application, because it ties in multiple categories of information such as movie theaters, pubs, hospitals, and gas stations. “Kidstuff” is also very cool, allowing you to find locations with fun activities, such as billiards, go-karts, and arenas, for your kids, or for the big kid at heart.

All location aware applications on the iPhone are all powered by accurate and reliable location from Skyhook Wireless.