Um-ba-rella-ella-ella
I had a good idea for an iPhone app the other day. I mean really good. It was so good, in fact, that I was ready to call off the job search and just wait for the iTunes Store profits to start rolling in. So long day job, dress shirts, and morning commute! Hello early retirement!
The idea was simple: build an app that mimics the Umbrella Today website. Especially with the schizophrenic weather we’ve been having, this app could be really useful. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve gone to work in the morning without a jacket or umbrella because the sky was blue and cloud-free only to end up walking home in the rain. I even thought of using push notifications to notify users about the need for an umbrella with even opening the app. This app was poised to be a hit!
Sadly, I was beaten to the punch: an Umbrella Today app with all the features you could ever want already exists. I bought it myself too, since the clever people who built it deserve the support. I sure wish I was the one collecting all the iPhone app loot though.
UMBRELLA OVERKILL!!
Since we’re on the subject, how do you decide which apps to buy for your iPhone or similar devices? I tend to use friend recommendations on Twitter and Facebook, but I will occasionally buy a random game or app on a whim. I’ll also buy apps if I already know the brand, like Plants vs. Zombies.
What’s your method?
I don't buy apps. 🙂
What about taking the Umbrella Today? concept, but apply it to a different area. A few ideas:
Brown Bag Today? – Enter all the foods you hate, and if work/school cafeteria is serving it, you bring your own lunch.
Shotgun Today? – an app giving you up to date info on the daily zombie outbreak percentage
Stay Home Today? – an app that tells you if you are likely to have a crummy day, and maybe it's just better to stay in bed.
I like the Shotgun Today idea. I may look into that.
@Giynlith: I know, but you still download apps. How do you decide which free ones to download? Oy!
@Jeff: I read the description and if it sounds interesting/is what I'm looking for, I'll download it and give it a chance. Most of the time the free apps aren't what I'm looking for. I also go by the reviews.