Category: Cell Phone Talk
Have you ever thought of something and wished there were an app for it? Or maybe there are but wished they were different in some ways?
I was just thinking about how I recently got an ID Mate Quest for work and how I tend to leave it at work a lot but how I could use it at home too. I brought it home once and recorded a few bar coads that weren't in the scanner already. I used a couple of the bar coads that came with it and made some recording for a couple of things but with my scanner at work, I don't think that using an app would bring up my audio recording. It is programmed on to that scanner only. So I wished there were an app that I could use on my phone that worked like an ID Mate but doesn't cost an arm and a leg.
What about you?
Wished for any apps for neat ideas? Maybe one that you can wave over your food and it would tell you how much longer to cook it or if it was done yet?
LOL
That would be so cool! As for barcode scanners, there are several apps like that, such as Digit Eyes. You could even use Tap Tap See to identify things, but you still would need to have a steady hand with the camera. Other than the food sensing app, you can pretty much find something for everything you want to do, because there's a good chance somebody else wanted the technology as well, and happened to be a developer. Love the topic!
I'm repeatedly astounded by the efforts people put out there as apps, not just for us but for anyone, and how much it has changed life for us. These are so amazingly inexpensive - even at $10 for some this is way less than the software you used to buy on CDs. And, it's in your pocket.
I have had good success with the StandScan accessory from Hong Kong I think it is. Speaking of scanning things, it means your hands won't shake because the phone is sitting on a flat surface and you can turn on the lights underneath.
I'd say apps and accessories both go into the same category, really making these devices something amazing!
There are so many that I wouldn't think of. How about an app where you could shock people? Not anything intense or dangerous but something to scare the crap out of people, kind of like those pens or lighters that you can shock people with. Haha.
They'd have to put a taser on the iPhone in order to do that...Maybe plug into the lightning port?
Leo what app do you use with the StandScan? I've tried to use prismo with it but haven't had good luck.
I used Talking Googles, Prismo once and Text Detective. Text Detective has the video camera instead of the still shot.
Use the AC power adapter to turn on the lights, it's brighter. And unplug it when you're done: those LEDs do get warm quickly.
Ok, this is probably cheesy but what about apps for orientation inside actual buildings. For example, I think it would be cool to be able to have an ap in which I could go to a mall, or the big ginormous building that will be my new campus next semester, and have the app know where I am in relation to the book store, coffee shop, wings, etc. So, if I were going into this building for the first time, I could explore it much like we would explore a city with GPS and/or talking map apps. Yeah yeah, I know I could just ask for assistance but I hate doing that and besides, what if nobody is around.
Leo, so the scan stand thing works as advertised, huh? I have wondered about that. I have a Pearl which I use with my laptop but I'm wondering if I should consider one of those for my phone as well. That might be quicker for things that are on the fly so to speak.
They're working on apps like you said. iOS7 actually has technology for detecting beacons, which are usefull for indoor GPS, and Apple has acquired a company that specializes in it. Stay tuned. Your wish may come true!
Looking forward to that.
DG I don't think the StandScan would be any more portable than your Pearl, in fact less so. It's cardboard mostly and so you have to unfold / set it up. I have kept mine set up but will have to take it down when I move. But yes you can't relly espect to take it with you on the go to school and that, even though they kind of advertise it as such.
That would be great if they came out with an indoor GPS app. The only thing that concerns me about that is in some large buildings you don't get great service, and if you lose 3G or 4G service you would be screwed. I know the coffee shops and some places within malls have WIFI but they are only restricted to a certain area. I haven't been in a mall that had a Universal WIFI network, but if there is one then you'd be set. Great idea though.
Another great app to use with Standscan/scanbox is Text Grabber. It is, or was, on sale for $0.99. I found that in some way, it is much responsive than Prismo. Do remember though, unless you have perfect lighting, which in most case not, it is encourage to use standscan/scanbox to use with the lights. After all, it is a light box anyway. :)
As for the topic, what i really want to see is object detector. For example, if you ask where is my housekey, it will somehow make some noise or vibrate. The closer you get, the stronger the vibration or noisier will be. I came across something like that call Key Clicker or something, but will be great to extend that to other things.
Thanks for the info, leo.
Glad also to hear my idea wasn't too far fetched. lol
PinaColada, check out Tile.
Ok, here's another p I wish they had. If it already exists, please let me know because I'd love it.
I wish you could turn all features of the phone off except for the camera. My son had a field trip today and his phone is his only camera but they can't take electronics. His teacher was going to let him take his phone but he ultimately forgot it in his desk. All that to say though, it would be nice if there were an app that would allow games etc to be disabled. I know there's airplane mode but the games would still work and thus tempt the kid, or at least get him in trouble. I'd love to say I'm 110 percent sure my kid wouldn't try to sneak playing a game but he is a 9-year-old boy, not a robot. lol
The iPhone has parental controls which can restrict a lot of that stuff, actually.
How about an app for in door orientation that would run of the camera and describe to you tactical info on what it seems, sort of like Tap tapsy only giving useful information to navigate by like about doors and if you]re walking into one of those dead ends where there's nothing but three empty coke cans and a flower pot.
All of those is possible, only problem though, we need to watch the battery. :)
Jesse, thanks for your suggestion. definitely check out Tile,
So, one of my wishes has come true! Honeywell makes home thermostats that can be controlled by an IPhone app. The app is completely accessible and the thermostats can be purchased from any home improvement store. Woooohoooo!
Just thought I'd share that with yall.
I wonder if there are locks that you can open with an iDevice instead of a combination pad? Those are complicated to use.
Yes, Yale, and Quickset make them.