Yet another [new iPhone program], Urbanspoon, is “a cross between a magic eight ball and a slot machine:" you shake the phone, and it randomly displays the name of a good restaurant nearby, using the iPhone’s G.P.S. and motion sensor.
Here is a longer review of the new iPhone.
You made me smile
Does Apple subsidize programs that rely on users shaking the device, and ultimately having to replace it?
David Wright,
An even better killer app will be Google Android + StreetView maps + built-in compass and GPS. See the Youtube video for a demo.
Ever watch American football on TV and see a yellow first-down line on the field? It’s painted only on your TV screen, not on the field itself. Now imagine yellow arrows virtually painted on the sidewalk, pointing the way to the nearest Thai restaurant. Combined with a heads-up visor glasses display, this would be a first-generation stab at augmented reality (a la Rainbows End by Vernor Vinge).
Imagine if a flashing neon sign over a non-descript building existed only in the display of your iPhone or Android device, and imagine how much advertising revenue could be collected by Apple or Google for putting it there…
And for those who don’t know, Tyler’s Ethnic Dining Guide is at
tylercowensethnicdiningguide.com
I doubt Urbanspoon will replace it. Partially depends on how they select “good” restaurants….
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