Skyhook Wireless location-based applications have reached 1700 this week, with 25% of these applications being free of charge, while the remaining 75% are priced at $0.99 or higher. Fortunately, one of the most valuable applications using location is free. Amber Alert Mobile, developed by ObjectivePlay, can help return a missing child to its community. Amber Alert Mobile is a listing of all current Amber Alerts and Missing Children Alerts. The application has a “Near Me” option displaying who went missing from the areas closest to the user’s current location or are suspected to be close by. Finally, the app provides quick links to the website and hotline for The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
Find Tag Sales and Coupious are two applications that have the discount shopper’s best interests in mind. Coupious gives you coupons directly on your phone for discounts and deals that might be around you. No coupons need to be printed, the user can show the coupon displayed on their iPhone or Touch screen to receive the discount. Find Tag Sales locates the nearest tag sale, garage sale or flea market. This application is also great for sellers looking to spread the word beyond neighborhood flyers and Craigslist ads.
PeaRoast is a socially-aware micro blogger allowing the user to read their friends blogs, blogs around the world or blogs closest to their location. INfonaut is the application for the NASA enthusiast. The user can track the status of the next NASA shuttle mission, learn about crew members, or use their location to determine the next time to watch the International Space Station pass overhead. Finally, PrimoSpot Parking Finder is the ultimate travelers guide for navigating New York City. This application finds parking locations closest by and also rates them on a system of how long you can park there (24hr, 2 days, etc.), if the parking spot is free, or a bad spot. The application also alerts of alternate side parking suspensions and provides mapping back to your car after you have parked.
By Courtney Teeling