SMART CITY FANATIC

    BLIPPAR IS THE NAME TO BEAT!  To quote the Google intro:  ' The Blippar app is an augmented reality browser. It uses the camera on your smartphone or tablet to recognize images and real-world objects and show digital content right on top . When you scan something, we use artificial intelligence to find relevant content.'  But that is not WHY these guys are WINNING. Allow us to highlight some other USP strengths, and that is just a start.       AR is their USP. The way in. Interactive; bespoke: They tell the user WHAT they want and make them THINK it is THEIR control.  WEBAR SDK: They TOOK AR and created an in house SPIN on said. PEOPLE = PLATFORMS! As in, it is NOT just a palm of hand travel app; it is a readied aid toward building an entire system, in house or personally. THEY USE THEIR TEAM! It might be an illusion, right? But that appearance of a personal, interactive touch is something we ...

 Or rather? Maybe they DO it. But those features are not yet flagged up or tailored enough.  We have been talking, at some considerable length, regarding the many features and advantages which define travel focused applications of late. And one cannot in any way diminish those strengths. However, it is equally important to note that there are a number of urban themes which pervade the travel experience and it is in THOSE areas where the NEXT big app will take off.  In no particular order, a non exhaustive list, as follows: 1: DISABILITY!   We assume, immediately, a visible or aesthetically obvious point. Wheelchairs and so on. But think of say, DYSPRAXIA? Visual impairment and all the many iterations of limitation on one's ability to be truly mobile. An app that guides them through EVERY step of a journey, beyond simple tips/directions? ESSENTIAL. And in its way? STILL not 'there', yet.  2: AGE!   It is a problem. Older population. They do not all have to d...