iPhone App Update
RunningMap Trackometer was released on the iPhone App Store on October 12, 2009. It is a very simple application designed to use the GPS capabilities of the iPhone to track where you go for your run and view it on the website after you have uploaded the route. You can more about the application here.
Recently I switched my iTunes to the US store to look at the reviews and was surprised to see that the half a dozen reviews were quite negative (Canadian reviews have been pretty good). This is surely devastating for sales. I can counter these comments by responding to them in this blog and by asking you, if you live in the US and are happy with the app, to give us a little bit of love and post a kind comment on iTunes. I can also improve the app and satisfy the concerns of those who are having trouble with the app at the moment.
Firstly, we respond within a day (sometimes immediately) to all email. We are basically 2 guys who, in our spare time, do what we can to improve the site, monitor its performance and gain your loyalty.
Secondly, the app was tested and works quite well … given the right circumstances (more on that later). And here is proof. This demo video was done in one take. See the results for yourself:
It is really hard, given the resources we have, to test this application on all devices on different networks in different situations. Judging by the comments some people are not having success with the app tracking their route. Is it the app’s fault? Well yes and no. It is the fault of the phone/network for not providing good GPS data. It is the fault of the app because it fails at adequately communicating this to the user. A contributing factor may be our own algorithms for cleaning up bad GPS data. It is our fault for not updating our FAQ in a timely manner.
So, we are working on version 1.2. Along with fixing these flaws, we will add a map feature and perhaps iTunes controls. Some of you might remember the first version of RunningMap that came out in 2004. Through iteration we were able to make it better.
Thanks, and keep your distance!
- Randy
Posting your comment
Hal | February 14, 2010 @ 11:25 am
I have recently downloaded this app but after multiple attempts I am still unable to upload my routes. It states that I am unable to connect to Runningmap.com. What’s up?