iPhone Apps Hit the Trail
On your next trek, forget the compass—there's an app for that
Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! Download the app.
If we had to bet on the world’s next emerging superpower, we’d put all our money on Apple—and we’d probably place the bet with the help of an iPhone application. In their quest to control the (technological?) world, Apple is rolling out a slew of new apps geared towards the techno savvy outdoor enthusiast.
In a new 30-second spot, the familiar hands demonstrate apps to replace a compass, identify bird species, and spot poison ivy. Add those apps to the already impressive list including the Google Earth and GPS systems and you’ve got a handheld, do-just-about-anything, outdoor genius machine. They’ve definitely proved their point: There’s an app for just about anything.
We’re divided—while the apps are pretty darn cool, we can’t help but think that carrying around an iPhone in the backcountry makes it, well, not really backcountry anymore. Tell us if you’re heading straight to the app store after watching the ad or if you’ll be sticking to more primitive instruments like a compass and stick.
—Morgan Keys
Series of new iPhone commercials highlight more handy apps (Ars Technica)