CloudRecruiting.net » Android

New mobile apps aim to make texting while walking less hazardous

Michael Marlatt — Mon, 13 Sep 2010 08:00:57 +0000

Not too long ago, the simple act of texting and walking was a pretty dangerous mix and many thought it should even be banned.

Today, there are a new generation of mobile apps designed for those who absolutely insist on texting (or emailing) while walking. These new apps basically “superimpose what you’re typing over a live camera view, so you can see where you’re going even while you’re focused on the screen”. In essence, your camera becomes your third eye.

One such example is from a iPhone app called Type n Walk. This mobile app essentially helps the “texting-addict” avoid the hazards of multi-tasking while walking. According to the designers of Type n Walk, the app is also useful while you’re sitting or standing and essentially helps you keep an eye on your surroundings while you type.

Here’s a quick video that demos Type n Walk in action:

Aside from Type n Walk, there are many similar apps that provide users the ability to email, text, or tweet while still viewing their surroundings. Here are some notable apps worth reviewing:

For the iPhone User…

» Type n Walk – Type n Walk™ displays a transparent viewport of what’s directly in front of you. This combined with your peripheral vision is just enough visual information to help you avoid obstacles — like walking face-first into a pole!

» Easy Walk & Type – Easy Walk & Type is an innovative app that helps you keep an eye on the path in front of you while typing. It is the safest and most convenient way for you to write email, notes or copy/paste to all popular apps like SMS, Twitter, Facebook etc. while walking. You are able to keep an eye on the surrounds whenever you type on iPhone.

» iType2Go – is the revolutionary new way to SMS/email and update your Facebook/Twitter status while walking.

» Email n Walk – Email ‘n Walk lets you safely compose emails on the go! To send an email while on the move, just open up Email ‘n Walk, and enter the subject and message text while a transparent view shows the world around you via your iPhone’s camera.

» Text Vision – Text Vision adds a Spin on Texting, Emailing, updating Twitter Statuses, and Posting to Facebook. Users can compose emails/texts/facebook statuses/twitter updates/twitpic posts all in one application. What’s so unique about this application? You never miss a second of the world around you while composing your messages.

For the Android User…

» Road SMS – text while walking. This app is currently only available for Samsung Galaxy S phones.

» Walk n Write – This application allows you to see where you go while you write text on phone. It uses camera to show you any obstacles on your way. Your text is displayed foreground the camera preview.

» Type n Walk – Application that allows you to type SMS and emails while keeping an eye on what’s ahead of you!

» Text Bot – Texting while driving is dangerous and illegal. With Text Bot your phone will instantly display your incoming text messages and let you auto reply or press 1 button to reply to them. Just like changing your radio station or adjusting your heat.

Final Thoughts

Most of the apps and their developers make it clear that they cannot take any responsibility for the stupidity of some users. Inevitably, there will be users who still believe they’re savvier than the rest and may even try to use these apps to text or email while driving. From the Developer’s perspective, they have conquered a major “pain point” for those who insist on texting while walking. If their apps ultimately help users avoid tripping onto curbs, walking into traffic, or even stepping into manholes, then they will have accomplished the app’s core objective.

So, enough of what I think. I would like to know your thoughts. Do you think these apps actually benefit mobile users or simply reinforce the bad behavior?

Mobile SMS: (Still) The Undisputed King of Data Apps

Michael Marlatt — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 09:00:20 +0000

Let’s face it, our mobile device is with us 24×7, always within arms reach, and rarely ever shared. Regardless of what device you favor, one thing is certain: the mobile device connects us all and is the one piece of technology that we never seem to be without. With all the buzz around mobile apps, it’s important we don’t forget one of the most basic (yet powerful functions) of the mobile device – SMS (text-messaging).

Let’s first define SMS (text messaging)…

According to the CTIA:

SMS (Short Message Service) is a text-only message delivery system on mobile phone networks. As a compliment to voice calls, text messages travel through the wireless service provider’s network, routed and delivered much like a voice call. The messaging server for SMS or text messaging routes all messages to the appropriate mobile phone or application based on the number in the destination address.

SMS: Some amazing SMS stats…

- On July 23rd 2010, SMS will celebrate its 18th birthday.

- SMS (text message) user base in 2009: 3.6 Billion

- By the end of 2010, it is estimated that we will finally reach 4B active users of SMS text messaging.

- Worldwide, 4.5 Trillion SMS text messages were sent in 2009.

- SMS usage is expected to grow by 22% in 2010, to – 5.5 Trillion total SMS text messages sent globally.

- The big driver in the SMS traffic now is North America, as Americans finally joined the SMS texting bandwagon along with the rest of the world.

- 94% read rate for SMS (75% read immediately), 15-20% response rate vs 1% for traditional media

And, did you know…

-4.6 Billion actual mobile phones are expected to be in use by the end of 2010

-60 countries have already reached 100% mobile phone penetration rates (incl. Brazil, France, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, and Turkey)

- Italy, Israel, Hong Kong, Russia etc are all at 150% mobile phone penetration

- Europe has surpassed 125% mobile phone penetration rate

- Worldwide email user base: 1.4 Billion

- Worldwide Internet user base: 1.7 Billion (including those who access at internet cafe’s and those who use the internet on their mobile phones).

- Worldwide PC user base: 1.2 Billion

Stat Source: Tomi Ahonen, Communities-Dominate

So what’s the point?

With the amazing apps being produced for the Android, and iPhone, it’s very easy to be enamored by all the slick new mobile applications flooding the market. However, let’s not forgot that SMS is still the most widely used DATA application on the planet and an extremely powerful channel for connecting and engaging our target audience. While many mobile users may not yet have a smart phone, or even mobile internet access, virtually every mobile device has SMS (text-messaging) capability. If you are a company planning on integrating mobile as part your overall interactive marketing strategy (and have a limited budget/resources), consider creating an SMS campaign and tie that into your mobile web site. Most importantly, remember that it doesn’t have to be complicated to be effective.

As a side note, on April 26th, I will be co-presenting at SHRM in Orlando-FL to further elaborate on this topic (along with my good friend Chris Hoyt-AKA @TheRecruiterGuy). If you have plans to attend SHRM this month, please make sure to look me up and say hello.

Location Based Service (LBS), the future of job-searching on the go?

Michael Marlatt — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 11:00:12 +0000

Increasingly, we are seeing a proliferation of mobile applications that are focused on delivering highly personalized services. One of the key ways in which companies are delivering relevant content to mobile devices is through location-based service (LBS) applications.

There are two LBS mobile apps I believe are worth mentioning:

1. JobCompass

JobCompass, is a free iPhone app that offers job-seekers the ability to easily view jobs within their immediate proximity. The app is completely intuitive. To start, users simply enter the job search keywords, then specify radius. The app does all the heavy lifting. See video below…

2. Layar

Layar, is the world’s first mobile augmented reality (AR) browser. In layman terms, Layar enables users to view the general surroundings (via a camera phone) and instantly retrieve “real-time” data based on a user’s geolocation and where the camera is being pointed.

Unlike JobCompass, Layar was not specifically designed with the job-seeker in mind. However, it only takes a brief review to understand the value this application offers to job-seekers, as well as recruiters. Imagine the ability to scan your physical surroundings, target key companies within your local proximity, and then view a list of real-time job openings for your target client. Layar is just that slick and it would offer an advantage for account managers working out in the field, or job-seekers looking for new employment.

Two Examples of Layar’s Location-Based Job Search feature:

1. Click here to watch the video below at the 6:00 minute mark for more on this topic.

2. Mightbe.me – Augmented Reality Job Search prototype developed by Bonnier R&D showing how you can find jobs in your surroundings through augmented reality. It’s built in Layar and uses data from Workey.se and Eniro.se. Created by Fredrik Davidsson, Paulina Modlitba Söderlund and Björn Jeffery during the Swedish Entrepreneur Event 24 Hour Business Camp 2009.

Layar is a free app that is available for the iPhone, T-Mobile G1, HTC Magic and other Android phones in Android Market. iPhone Mobile users may now download the Layar app here.

Do you believe location based services will change the way candidates look for work in the future? What do you think?

Layar: The world’s first mobile augmented reality browser

Michael Marlatt — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 18:43:14 +0000

Introducing the Mobile Reality Browser…

Augmented reality browsing seems to be hitting the mobile scene in the a big way. Aside from Wikitude (which focuses on delivering travel-related info), the most talked-about player in the augmented reality browsing space is Layar. Layar has recently created and released an application that takes mobile browsing to the next level. Their mobile application essentially turns the mobile phone camera viewer into a real-time information portal. Layar shows what is around you by displaying digital information on top of the reality you are viewing through your phone’s camera.

At the moment, Layar’s mobile reality browser only runs on Android. If you are an Android user, you can download the app here. For the rest of the world, see video below…