July 10th, 2008
With the release of the App Store today, those of you with iPhones have probably been searching for the native Brightkite iPhone app, and wondered why they couldn’t find it. The truth is, while we would have loved to have the app available today, we decided not to release it just yet. Here is why:
- We don’t have a 3G iPhone to test on yet. More specifically, we’d like to see how well the GPS in the new phones works.
- We don’t want to release something that’s not rock-solid. And by rock-solid, we don’t mean crashing, but rock-solid from a usability standpoint. The app should be as easy to use as possible. We have some very ambitious goals concerning the user interface, but getting it just right takes time and we’re just not quite there yet.
Of course, this doesn’t make you any less anxious to try our app. So when is it coming out? While we don’t have an exact release date, we’ll commit to having it available by the end of the month. Thanks for being patient, and we think you’re really going to like what the app has to offer.
Posted by Martin at 5:11 PM in iPhone
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- G. February 1st, 2009 at 02:35 | #1 Reply | Quote joining my voice to the masses! I would pay money for it! like $9.99 for it! please!
- Justin_Scott February 1st, 2009 at 02:35 | #2 Reply | Quote I am using loopt right now just until the BrightKite iPhone app is released and it's killing me! I can't wait for the BrightKite app, while free is probably necessary to get a following, there is always the Twitteriffic way, pay $10 for a "pro" level version.
- KevinJohn February 1st, 2009 at 02:35 | #3 Reply | Quote I'm just happy that we're a couple days away from "the end of the month"… BrightKite native app must be coming to us shortly.
- Kevin-John February 1st, 2009 at 02:35 | #4 Reply | Quote Yay… one day closer .. one day closer to the release of the native iPhone App. (It is coming out tomorrow, right?) … Bueller?!?!?… Bueller?!?!?…Bueller?!?!?… Is this thing on?
- arinewman120 February 1st, 2009 at 02:35 | #5 Reply | Quote Can't wait to see this sucker…been using Loopt for now and its pretty weak. I get why this is taking awhile – you guys have to pack a ton of functionality in there. Hope photo geotagging/uploading will make the first release!
- Phelim February 1st, 2009 at 02:35 | #6 Reply | Quote Would love to see the app out by the end of July but… unless Apple are feeling kind… looks like it might be a bit late!
- Brandon Fuller February 1st, 2009 at 02:35 | #7 Reply | Quote Did see the app in the App Store. What's the best guess on the release now?
- Daniel February 1st, 2009 at 02:35 | #8 Reply | Quote The Safari app kills the other apps currently available.Can't wait for the native app
- Daniel Tyack February 1st, 2009 at 02:35 | #9 Reply | Quote Duuuudes, lets get that freaking app out there!!! I'm going to be daily punching my self in the face until it is released and I blame you!
- Liam February 1st, 2009 at 02:35 | #10 Reply | Quote Hi there – I know it has been said, but am throwing in my own two cents worth here – and perhaps it'll help that I'm in the UK? I have an iPhone 3G which is what held me back from using BrightKite like a man obsessed…. but now I have it, I'm starting the obsession! And I'd love to help beta-test if you need volunteers! Keep up the good work – I really love the services you provide.
- Kevin-John February 1st, 2009 at 02:35 | #11 Reply | Quote awww… well the end of the month has come and gone. Are we going to get an update to how long the application is delayed? I fully understand the delays …(but I'd rather not have to come back each day to check to see if the fantastic new application is release or not)
- Warren Buckley February 1st, 2009 at 02:35 | #12 Reply | Quote Hiya well it's now the 4th. I know you may be delayed but I think and other users would like to hear an update with some screenshots and a new release date please :)
- Jeff February 1st, 2009 at 02:35 | #13 Reply | Quote I was kind of surprised not to see Brightkite on the App store also. From what I see just using the assisted GPS on a 1st gen iPhone the GPS is pretty spot on.
- I can't wait for the native app, and understand why you delayed it.
- Hurry up before others get used to a inferior app while waiting :P
- barkerja February 1st, 2009 at 02:35 | #14 Reply | Quote Same here, about to leave in 30 minutes to get in line. So I'd definitely be willing to beta test the hell out of it!
- CannonGod February 1st, 2009 at 02:35 | #15 Reply | Quote I'm glad you've chosen to only release when you feel it's ready. So many people will be trying to get their shoddy alpha-based apps posted up ASAP – so I'm happy you won't be among them :) Besides, the iPhone version of your site is *more* than capable for now. Take your time and get it right. [thumbsup]
- CannonGod February 1st, 2009 at 02:35 | #16 Reply | Quote While it's true you wouldn't ideally like to miss out on the initial hype of the apps release, a lot of reviewers are going to be glossing over and trying to pick fault with what they find (at least from what I've seen). It's probably wise waiting for the initial rush to quiet down so that the apps are reviewed individually rather than being glossed over in batch reviews.
- mcfearsome February 1st, 2009 at 02:35 | #17 Reply | Quote No chances of a beta release? I'm sure there are a lot of eager folks waiting to put it use.
- danger February 1st, 2009 at 02:35 | #18 Reply | Quote I was definitely hoping for a launch-day release, but if the native UX is as good as the mobile web experience, I'm happy to mince for a while longer. Very happy to hear it's on the way.
- KJB February 1st, 2009 at 02:35 | #19 Reply | Quote . I agree sooner with a couple of rough spots … better than later and perfect when Loopt has all the new users. As it is, every day is a day where new users might start using Loopt or another app and not want to add YASNA app to reinvite all their friends…. Ooooo… I'm crossing my fingers for you guys. Your app holds soooo much promise.
- oxeneers February 1st, 2009 at 02:35 | #20 Reply | Quote This is great. We are all very excited for this app, but, obviously we can wait for "rock solidness". One thing though, I hope you guys don't leave us iPhone 2G people out of the loop with the location based stuff. It'd be nice to still use the Cell/WiFi positioning available to us to check in. And if all else fails, the good old fashioned checking in is great too. Can't wait for it, Denver!
- kirbmart February 1st, 2009 at 02:35 | #21 Reply | Quote Thanks for your patience.
- Dave H. February 1st, 2009 at 02:35 | #22 Reply | Quote Eagerly awaiting this app! Have been using Loopt and i like it but really waiting for BrightKite native app!!!
- xxdesmus7365 February 1st, 2009 at 02:35 | #23 Reply | Quote Great news guys. Thanks for the update!
- Dan Rubin February 1st, 2009 at 02:35 | #24 Reply | Quote It's a shame there's no proper way for developers to release beta iPhone apps yet – makes it difficult for willing test users as well :) Keep up the good work, no worries about other location-aware apps stealing market share, BK users won't jump ship.
- barkerja February 1st, 2009 at 02:35 | #25 Reply | Quote There is Dan. You can ad-hoc your app up to 100 iphones/itouch's.
- inko9nito February 1st, 2009 at 02:35 | #26 Reply | Quote Would still be nice to have a BrightKite app for non-3G iPhones…
- andrew_hyde651 February 1st, 2009 at 02:35 | #27 Reply | Quote Am excited to see it!
- Spacecowgurl February 1st, 2009 at 02:35 | #28 Reply | Quote I find that I still prefer BrightKite to all of the social location apps that have been released. The rest have been deleted and am using the BK webapp until a native app comes out. Keep up the awesome work! This is one of my fave apps on my iPodTouch.
- kirbmart February 1st, 2009 at 02:35 | #29 Reply | Quote The app works on non-3G iPhones as well. Additionally the web app will continue to stay live.
- poolie February 1st, 2009 at 02:35 | #30 Reply | Quote if you are looking for a beta tester (in germany), just let me know.
- haruszpapa February 1st, 2009 at 02:35 | #31 Reply | Quote any iPhone screen shots of the app in action?
- zeb February 1st, 2009 at 02:35 | #32 Reply | Quote I want to get on the list to try the app! Loopt, Whrrl, Twittelator, Facebook — None are filling the void well enough as Brightkite should, for location-based action. Please send up an alpha soon!
- Ryan February 1st, 2009 at 02:35 | #33 Reply | Quote Can't wait for the native app. Lots of activity starting up on Loopt (and controversy!), but I think BrightKite, with its web interface and early Twitter integration, could easily win this space. I want to follow my online friends without asking for their phone numbers… but I want the ability to segregate 'trusted' friends from online contacts.
- matthew February 1st, 2009 at 02:35 | #34 Reply | Quote Yes please, brightkite app
- kirbmart February 1st, 2009 at 02:35 | #35 Reply | Quote We will post some pics and vids of the application very soon. We are considering releasing this early version to a select few users. We will let you know first.
- barkerja February 1st, 2009 at 02:35 | #36 Reply | Quote How about some pics/vids of the up-and-coming app? Could take some user input and possibly help move the development right along.
- AJ Tarachanowicz II February 1st, 2009 at 02:35 | #37 Reply | Quote Hey guys,
- First off awesome platform and thanks for the hard work. What about putting the app out there as a private beta and allowing say 25-50 people to use it? This way they can provide you with some real life UX feedback. Maybe pick the folks who have provided you with the most feedback via the Feedback link in ST! Which would up your chances of getting quality feedback.
- Chris Robb February 1st, 2009 at 02:35 | #38 Reply | Quote Thanks for the update, guys. This was one of the big two apps I was looking forward to at launch, but I would rather you get it right. Just hope you don't lose momentum to the people using some of the other location-aware apps. Of course, I'd like to voice my support for some sort of beta program. I'm sure some of us could beat the hell out of it!
- Chris Robb February 1st, 2009 at 02:35 | #39 Reply | Quote Yeah, that makes up for it. I can't wait to see 3rd party apps. Thanks, Brady. Keep up the good work.
- susannah February 1st, 2009 at 02:35 | #40 Reply | Quote yay! i was one of the faithful looking for it in the store today! can't wait! thank you BK overlords!
- kirbmart February 1st, 2009 at 02:35 | #41 Reply | Quote Hi Chris. Thanks for the support. We hope its not to much of a disappointment that we are not releasing the app today. One thing we are releasing for testing today is our developer API :)
- Eridius February 1st, 2009 at 02:35 | #42 Reply | Quote I would strongly encourage you to put together a beta program. IIRC, you can distribute ad-hoc up to 100 iPhones. I know I'll be picking up a 3G iPhone tomorrow and I'd *love* to be able to test out a BKite app.
- barkerja February 1st, 2009 at 02:35 | #43 Reply | Quote I agree Chris. This was one of two apps that I was looking forward to the most, but the quality of service provided by Brightkite has been nothing short of spectacular, so I'm sure the delay for the app is for good reason. Keep it coming Brady and Martin!
- kirbmart February 1st, 2009 at 02:35 | #44 Reply | Quote If you are wondering what is going on with the iPhone app please read this post… http://blog.brightkite.com/2008/08/04/soits-the-e...
- Torontocondo March 10th, 2009 at 03:54 | #45 Reply | Quote What is the major difference between iPhone and the Samsung Instinct? I was going to leave sprint for AT&T only for the iphone. I have no issues with service, just want a cool phone. I can get the Instinct for $129, the iphone for $199. Both have rate plans that start at $70, so why would I leave Sprint now? Besides the 2GB mem on Instinct vs. 8GB on iPhone, what can the iPhone do the instinct can't? Zoom in..!!?by homelover..!!
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