An iPhone app that can provide maps and directions to nearby local places hasn't lost any value among iPhone users even with the introduction of Siri because iPhone 4S's virtual assistant can only provide maps and directions within US. So if your looking for an iPhone app that can fill the gaps for Siri, especially when you're travelling overseas, which one do you use? The answer: NearMe
NearMe mobile guide app is developed by Yeerp Inc. for the range of Apple mobile devices: iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. As of writing, this app is available for free download in the App Store. It connects to Wifi or 3G to identify your current location, and look up for nearby local places. It then sorts resulting directories into several establishment categories like Banks/ATMs, Hotels, Parking, and Attractions; It also provides location distances, maps, and if available, establishment contact details. This app also allows you to choose between the Metric and English system, and share location information to friends via email, SMS, and "Check In" for social medias like Facebook and Four Square. Below are the details of my review for NearMe iPhone app (version 1.2.3).
The Good:
1. On start up, NearMe iPhone app displays your exact current location automatically - no unnecessary buttons.
2. The search bar is located right across the top and is wide enough for typing longer search keywords without losing the earlier entered characters.
3. The establishment categories are well organized and spot on.
4. The drop pin button shows both the pin for your current location, and that of your target destination in the map.
5. You can add places to Favorites and your searches are tacked in History for easy look up.
The current version of NearMe iPhone app could use improvements on these areas:
1. No landscape orientation - which means map view is restricted by iPhone or iPod touch portrait width; when your target destination is far from your current location, you have zoom out to get a view of both locations in the map.
2. No actual "directions" on the map. There is no solid link between your current location and the target destination in the map. You'll have to do a little bit of figuring out and decide which road or street to take.
3. No offline mode. The app should offer an option to save maps as photos in the phone for later look up; This is useful in cases when there's no available Wifi or 3G connection.
I have tried using the NearMe iPhone app in the city and it works perfectly. As long as you know how to figure out real life street signs and your NearMe iPhone app can connect to the internet, you're good to go.
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| NearMe iPhone app (version 1.2.3) panels are stylish and easy to use. |
NearMe mobile guide app is developed by Yeerp Inc. for the range of Apple mobile devices: iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. As of writing, this app is available for free download in the App Store. It connects to Wifi or 3G to identify your current location, and look up for nearby local places. It then sorts resulting directories into several establishment categories like Banks/ATMs, Hotels, Parking, and Attractions; It also provides location distances, maps, and if available, establishment contact details. This app also allows you to choose between the Metric and English system, and share location information to friends via email, SMS, and "Check In" for social medias like Facebook and Four Square. Below are the details of my review for NearMe iPhone app (version 1.2.3).
The Good:
1. On start up, NearMe iPhone app displays your exact current location automatically - no unnecessary buttons.
2. The search bar is located right across the top and is wide enough for typing longer search keywords without losing the earlier entered characters.
3. The establishment categories are well organized and spot on.
4. The drop pin button shows both the pin for your current location, and that of your target destination in the map.
5. You can add places to Favorites and your searches are tacked in History for easy look up.
The current version of NearMe iPhone app could use improvements on these areas:
1. No landscape orientation - which means map view is restricted by iPhone or iPod touch portrait width; when your target destination is far from your current location, you have zoom out to get a view of both locations in the map.
2. No actual "directions" on the map. There is no solid link between your current location and the target destination in the map. You'll have to do a little bit of figuring out and decide which road or street to take.
3. No offline mode. The app should offer an option to save maps as photos in the phone for later look up; This is useful in cases when there's no available Wifi or 3G connection.
I have tried using the NearMe iPhone app in the city and it works perfectly. As long as you know how to figure out real life street signs and your NearMe iPhone app can connect to the internet, you're good to go.