iPhone Apps I'd Totally Buy

Merlin Mann — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 12:30:59 -0400

As I wrote yesterday, I’m loving the new iPhone apps on the iTunes store. Also, as we mentioned on MacBreak Weekly yesterday, it seems likely that we’re just seeing the tip of the iceberg in terms of what people will do with that SDK.

But it got me thinking about the stuff I want — the itches I want to scratch. So, iPhone developer friends. Please make these three apps.

Prime This

Elevator pitch: Scan barcode to instantly order an item via Amazon

Out and about and see something you want to buy? Maybe a book, CD, or DVD that you want, but don’t want to buy/carry/pack right now? No problem.

Take a photo of the item’s barcode, hit one button, and the item is instantly ordered through Amazon 1-Click using your default credit card and shipping preferences. Done.

Yeah, I know; I know. You want price comparisons, and wish lists, and an API for tagging and “mashups.” Well, suck it up; you’re not who this is for. This is for hardcore, mainlining Amazon Prime power users. That’s why it has exactly one button: “Prime This.”

Suggested price: Free (developer will make a killing on affiliate money)

iParked

Elevator pitch: Location-aware parking reminder

Open the app, hit a button, and your location is noted and added to a map. Optionally add an alarm (for the parking meter or street cleaning), notes and photos (“3rd level; Area G”), and other pertinent data (“Closes at 1am; after hours number is….”).

When you’re ready to go to your car, the app reminds you where you parked (with a walking map), and off you go.

Suggested price: $5

That Reminds Me

Elevator pitch: Lightweight, location-aware alarm app

Tell TRM the really mushy kinds of things that fall somewhere between a todo and a wish and a curiosity.

buy a lottery ticket on my birthday
pick up a crazy notebook next time I’m in Chinatown
grab a takeout menu next time I’m at Andy’s

Using functionality similar to OmniFocus’s flexible, location-aware contexts, add new items to your list with optional alarms and start/end dates. Then forget about it.

Next time you’re geographically near where you need to be, you get a reminder and a map to get you there.

Suggested price: $5

The Question to You

What’s the iPhone app you crave? What would take great advantage of Location Services, the camera, SDK features, or what have you? What itch do you want to have scratched?

”iPhone Apps I'd Totally Buy” was written by Merlin Mann for 43Folders.com and was originally posted on July 17, 2008. Except as noted, it's ©2008 Merlin Mann and licensed for reuse under CC BY-NC-ND 3.0. "Why a footer?"

ideas

iPhone Apps I'd Totally Buy

Prime This

iParked

That Reminds Me

The Question to You