Goby, the things-to-do metasearch engine, has released an iPhone app that it says will cure boredom on the go.
The location aware app uses the iPhone's native GPS services to locate things to do, events, and restaurants that are close to the iPhone user.
Similar to the recently showcased Siri.com iPhone app, the Goby app is hoping to provide users access to local activities, specifically things to do.
Unlike Siri, which uses artificial intelligence for converting voice to text and using structured search through partner APIs, Goby uses metasearch to organize unstructured data scrapped from the web.
The interface is easy to understand, directing the user to one of three choices: find cool stuff near me today, make weekend plans, and explore a new location.
Once you have chosen a particular stream, you drill down to find more details and something of interest.
Pros:
- The app is very nicely designed and has a very easy to use interface.
- Responsiveness in 3G and wi-fi environments is also quite good.
- The search results by map view is a nice way to show things to do in relation to you current location.
- Lots of categories for sorting and searching for activities that may interest you.
- Information retrieved and displayed for events is well presented including access to the underlying meta data scrapped by the Goby search system.
Cons:
- The depth of geo-located content is still fairly limited. In reality this has nothing to do with Goby and more to do with access to relevant data on the web. In list mode the results for tours and sightseeing in Seattle are quite rich, but in map view, there were only eight results.
- Categorization helps to sort data but lack of result count makes it difficult to tell relevancy. The category list indicates that there are results for a particular category but doesn't currently indicate how many results were found. If companies like Goby could find a way to work with DMOs then they could access to an abundant source of local data and provide added value for destinations looking to increase exposure for local businesses.
- Lack of in-app reservation, booking or inquiry. As a metasearch tool this is not that important, but given that the user is looking for convenience, the ability to actually book a product, or reserve the table right away would be of added value. Access to some XML APIs for in-app conversion could benefit both the users and provide revenue for Goby.
Overall the app is excellent, certainly one of the best local things-to-do apps I've seen.
The challenge with apps like Goby, Siri, and others remains the depth of content and access to relevant data. From the small business perspective however, the ability to get exposure in an app like Goby would be beneficial.
The more exposure that tours and activities can get through a medium that is traditionally not available to them, the better. The next big hurdle will be showing value (in conversions or lead generation) for businesses featured in the app.
Score one for small business and for reducing boredom.
NB: The Goby app is available from the US App Store