From the creator of such apps as TatTap and iMobile Care, comes a new application-service combo designed to empower citizen journalism. The name is MotionCast and a dedicated mobile client is available for the iPhone only, but I’m guessing that will change with support for other platforms in no time.
Using the service/application, users are able to both access and contribute to the hyper-local news, which are organized by category, location (obviously), breaking, hot, most popular and by casters. Additionally, each of the so called “casts” can be shared, rated and commented on, and there’s also an option to collaborate on stories through a WikiNews module. On the other hand (for readers), news can be personalized to get only the information on what’s happening in your area.
VisionSync has tested the service within communities in India and Denmark, and it’s about to begin a new pilot with university students in the United States. So far, the feedback has been positive.
The plan for the future is to launch additional widgets and components such as ADCAST (for revenue sharing), REWARDCAST (to provide MotionCasters with monetary incentives for outstanding casts) and SUPPORTCAST (to let users support Casts that could have positive impacts within their communities).
Hyper-local news is known as a potentially high-growth area which not that many have managed to turn into a sustainable business. Will VisionSync be able to succeed where others have failed? What do you think?
And before you answer, check out a short demo video after the jump.
MotionCast (FREE) [iTunes link]