It seems Alena and I have developed a bit of obsession with an iPhone app I stumbled upon a couple of days ago. I don’t think that most people will understand, but I’m sure Ignat and Mike will.You see, Gowalla is an iPhone based geocaching app on steroids. Throw my passion for National Park stamp collecting into that and you got a killer app, at least as far as I go.
Ignat and Mike have been into geocaching a while ago and it didn’t really appeal to me as there was no record of your discoveries or check-ins left.
With Gowalla you have a list of spots located close to you. If there are places you go to often and they are not on the map you can commission a spot yourself. Then you can become a founder by leaving one of the items behind. And each of your check-ins is logged in your stamp list.
Each user is given 5 items at the start. As you check-in into more places you have a chance of discovering more items. If a place already has founder(s) you can pick up the item left by other people on the condition that you leave one behind too.Each item has a history attached to it and you can see where it has been from the start to the point that you got it and then after you left it somewhere. But you can read more about items on Gowalla blog.
Then there are special stamps and pins. There are goals like visiting 5 pre-set locations in Central Park and you’ll earn a pin. Or commission 10 places. And so on. Also if you check-in into any location inside New York state you’ll get an NY stamp and the same happens for any other state.
Overall the feel and the design of the application and their web-site (where you can check for spots and multiple other stats) are pretty amazing. I usually like to nitpick on the smallest details and here everything just looks great. So if you have an iPhone or any other phone with location aware browser do join in with us.
November 11, 2009 @ 22:13
Yes, surprisingly (for me) using this app is fun. It gives me something to do during lunch breaks and also I am looking forward to checking new places together with Danya. Having more friends doing this will make this experience even better!
November 12, 2009 @ 10:48
It’s a powerful application. Few advantages compare to geocaching are:
– No GPS device require. Typically in $300-$400 range.
– Synchronize maps with GPS device
– No need to write username on item history trace
– Update findings on website
The process seems to be smothered
November 12, 2009 @ 12:39
Not sure I understand what you mean by “smothered”. It doesn’t seem too appealing to you with this app because it’s too easy? Or do I misunderstand?
November 12, 2009 @ 12:40
Easy to use.
November 12, 2009 @ 12:42
Smooth?
November 12, 2009 @ 12:51
Ah, I see. So now all you need is an iPhone, man. Or an Android. And we need to get Alex to install it too.
Right now Maruk is in Hawaii and he’s marking the best spots. When we go there next week we can just follow his markers instead of trying to find locations ourselves.
November 12, 2009 @ 16:53
Thanks for the nice review! We’re so glad you’re using our little service and that it has a nice spot in your day. Shoot me an email, and I’d be happy to send you a t-shirt as a way of showing our appreciation for your support!
November 12, 2009 @ 17:01
We should split the t-shirt.
November 12, 2009 @ 17:19
Wow, Gowalla is even more amazing than I thought!
November 21, 2009 @ 00:20
This app is so fun. I love going to new places to see if I am the founder or who has been before me. Since I am a native Texan I love that this app was developed in Austin. I am telling all my friends to download this app and get started on a fun adventure! Thanks, Gowalla!
December 9, 2009 @ 11:46
“Gowalla Gets $8.4 Million Series B For Geo-Networking. Attracts All-Star Investors.”
Not bad.
May 28, 2010 @ 16:29
Hmm, I just stumbled upon this post and came to a sad realization — I never did get my t-shirt!
May 28, 2010 @ 16:58
That is sad! We’ll be sure to send another. Can you re-send us your mailing addy to make sure we had the right address? Thanks!
May 31, 2010 @ 22:01
Jonathan, I sent the address. Hope you got it. Thank you for the t-shirt again!
March 31, 2011 @ 18:15
By the way, I never posted a follow up. I got a full box of Gowalla stuff — t-shirts, stickers and a bunch of other goodies. I’ve shared with friends too. That all was a while ago.
September 12, 2011 @ 16:09
Did you try new version of Gowalla?
http://techcrunch.com/2011/09/12/gowalla-reborn/
September 12, 2011 @ 18:07
Oy vey, I haven’t heard about this one just yet. I hope it doesn’t radically change and I can still have it integrated into my blog.
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