And then it was all Webkit! RIM just announced that it will be using Webkit-based browsers for the new BlackBerry devices. This was a smart move; seems obvious and will certainly excite the competition with the iPhone. Thinking about this from my POV, this makes web-based mobile development twice as simple as now, there is almost just one browser to support: Webkit. However there are very distinct user experience and interface elements for iPhone-based applications (in all Apple products for that matter!) I’m not a BlackBerry user, so I’m not sure how those UX elements would translate, but I suspect they will not. Therefore, in many instances, we may still be up against two separate codebases for the app interface.

I remember way back when I first heard about the GPS functionality coming to the iPhone, and other devices. “Oh man, if we can detect a user’s location, we can use it to send him/her all sorts of targeted messages.” For example, if we know he is near a Starbucks, maybe we send him a coupon for a cup of coffee. Genius! It seemed like we were on the verge of an amazing opportunity for marketers. However, when I began to think about within the context of pushing “ads” to a person’s mobile device, it quickly became clear that this would become a mess. Imagine walking down the street and getting bombarded with ads for every other store on the block – not cool. There are many useful ways of using this technology, but pushing location-based ads to people, without their consent, is not one of them.

During my recent speaking event at OMMA, I actually brought this up. I’ve also been discussing it with others in the industry. Great to hear that Apple is right on board with this thinking. They just released a warning to iPhone developers:

“If you build your application with features based on a user’s location, make sure these features provide beneficial information. If your app uses location-based information primarily to enable mobile advertisers to deliver targeted ads based on a user’s location, your app will be returned to you by the App Store Review Team for modification before it can be posted to the App Store.” 

Good stuff!

I’m always interested in seeing interesting uses of augmented reality – particularly with mobile devices, as it often works better than a desktop and webcam.  I’m also excited about applications that support the brand and are useful tools that I could see myself using in my daily life. As I mentioned in my recent speaking event at OMMA Social: mobile ideas need to be useful and provide utility for the user – not just “technology for technology sake.”

Although I haven’t used it yet, this new ZAGAT app looks promising. As you’re out on the street, looking for somewhere good to eat. you can pull out your phone and look through the camera at the street before you. As the app recognizes certain restaurants, it will overlay ZAGAT ratings on top, in realtime. I love the idea; I wonder how easy it is to use and if it becomes awkward, or even dangerous, after a while: Walking around a busy street, looking through your phone’s camera? Still, certainly on-brand and has potential for being useful.