Finally, some functionality for PDAs that takes advantage of the knowledge and opinions of a community of people.
Earthcomber allows the user to download a map of an area, with comments about points on the map. The possible applications? Well, a neighbourhood with multiple retail outlets would be a good candidate. The locals could provide their opinions of the quality of service and products at the local shops, so someone could download the knowledge of the community and use it to make decisions.
One of the examples on Earthcomber’s site is a university campus — a typical place where newcomers need information quickly, and old-timers can provide survival tips. Another sample is of the Underground Railroad.
This is the kind of application I just assumed would blossom when technology became cheap and portable. It has taken longer than I expected for something like Earthcomber to push the boundaries of sharing information for people when and where they need it (instead of to their computer screen at home).
How was I to know MP3 players would blow PDAs out of the water?
This web-based service has "We want to get bought out by Google" written all over it. But what’s wrong with that? It would make a fine addition to an existing portal, or it can try to raise awareness and attract users bit by bit without a major partnership/ownership. Either way, it’s worth checking out.
Only in the United States, you say? Pity.
Thanks to Desirable Roasted Coffee for the link.