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Location technology developer, Skyhook, has just announced their latest product for developers: SpotRank. Basically, it involves condensing the location data they gather from a bajillion different sources into an API usable by third party developers. There are over half a billion 100-meter “spots” which are measuredNot only does SpotRank allow apps to see which spots are hot at any given moment, but it also forecasts future trends based on historical data. So, for example, a mapping app could predict points of congestion during rush hour based on SpotRank, or check-in services, like Gowalla (who coincidentally partnered with Skyhook for the launch), can identify hubs of activity and alter the experience in new and interesting ways.
I’m interested to see what developers do with SpotRank. There are obvious applications in social networking that enable people to see raw data like above to see where the nightlife is busiest, but maybe there’s a gaming element to be had in there – playing within an ever-shifting urban landscape would keep you perpetually on your toes. The SimpleGeo SDK enables the use of SpotRank, so if you’re a developer interested in seeing what you can do with this new toy, be sure to sign up for the beta.
[via Skyhook]
About The Author
Simon Sage
Simon Sage’s education largely surrounded writing, technology and online community, leading him to begin his blogging career at www.BlackBerryCool.com and to quickly discover a vibrant and active community surrounding BlackBerry and mobile technology. In exploring RIM’s platform, he has learned what enterprises are looking for in mobility as well as what makes the innocuous BlackBerry so appealing to them. Recently Simon’s been covering RIM’s gradual move into an already-crowded consumer market, and the impact of burgeoning challengers, such as the iPhone, as well as long-time leaders, like Nokia, on BlackBerry’s advancement. With plenty of content under his belt, Simon will be branching off a bit to see what other smartphone manufacturers are working on while still using BlackBerry as a barometer. At IntoMobile, you can count on his posts being even-handed, well-informed and thought-out.
