A SHORT SUMMARY
Pros
- Location Adjustable: The user can change location by entering a city or state in a drop-down menu
- Venue by search
- Maps: The user can see all available venues near their location on a map in satellite, standard, or traffic form
- Venue information
- Extensive libraries: Every list seems to include every venue around
Cons
- Location radius
- Lacking venues: there are some venue categories that would be useful that are not included
- Ads
AroundMe
An application that does exactly what it’s name infers, inform you about the places around you. This is not a new app, however. AroundMe’s creators Flying Code released the initial version of the app in 2008, and has since undergone various updates and has adopted cross-platform capabilities. Utilizing technology such as augmented reality and GPS, this app has over the years garnered much attention and is now being used in over 200 countries around the world.
AroundMe is comprised of a simple user interface that lands the user on a list page, listing various venue categories to choose from, such as “Restaurants, Cafes, and Gas Stations.” Upon clicking on a venue, the user is redirected to another list page that lists various locations that match that venue type. The AroundMe App accesses databases from localized data providers to make this possible; this also makes the lists rather elaborate. All lists are computed based on the user’s location upon the app’s initial launch.
Pros
Location Adjustable: The user can change location by entering a city or state in a drop-down menu. Since all venue lists are based on the user’s location, being able to change location by input allows the user to check venues ahead of time for holiday travel or business trips.
Venue by search: A search feature is included that allows the user to search for a specific rather than scrolling through an exhaustive list.
Maps: The user can see all available venues near their location on a map in satellite, standard, or traffic form. Upon clicking on a blip, the user gains access to GoogleMaps functionality, such as directions to their venue from their location.
Venue information: Each venue tells the user how far it is from their location in miles or kilometers, the phone number for the venue, website, hours of operation, menus(if available), and even yelp reviews.
Extensive libraries: Within each category there is an extensive list of venues displayed that covers both well-known venues as well as those sweet hole-in-the-wall locations. Every list seems to include every venue around.
ConsÂ
Location radius: the user cannot adjust the mile radius of venues around their location.
Lacking venues: there are some venue categories that would be useful that are not included, such as cable providers, phone dealers, services such as plumbers, painters, etc. For people moving into a new area this app would be a perfect tool if these venues were included.
Ads: each page contains a small banner ad that can be removed via a one-time $2.45 purchase to premium.
In conclusion
AroundMe App is a useful application that acts as a GPS driven directory system. Whether by phone location, or city and state, venues can be found quickly and easily. The app has a few drawbacks and an integration of all venue types for all consumers’ needs would be welcome. However, this app is great for people on the go who want to stay on top of the latest local events. If this is you, then we definitely suggest you give this app a look.
