This Week in iPad - Scott Raymond from Gowalla CTO & Founder of Gowalla

TL;DR

Hosts discuss new shows and interview Gowalla CTO about their iPad app.

Transcript

hello out there in internet land welcome to another exciting addition of this week in iPad it's thrilling it's exciting i am your host lon harris joining me as always resident ipad expert jacob birch or thrilling than prince of persia what could be what could be more thrilling than jake gyllenhaal pretending to be from persia really exciting show t... Read More

Key Insights

• 👶 New programming direction: The network is diversifying content to include entertainment, aiming to reach a wider audience.
• 😀 Quick adaptation for technology: The rapid development of the iPad version of Gowalla highlights the fast-paced nature of app development in the tech industry.
• 👤 User-centric design: Emphasis on visual aesthetics and social interaction reflects user demand for engaging, immersive app experiences.
• 🤨 Market competition: Gowalla's place in the geo-location sector raises questions about sustainability amidst growing giants like Facebook and Foursquare.
• 👤 Importance of feedback: Developers are encouraged to iterate quickly based on user feedback to enhance app functionality and user retention.
• 😀 RSS apps are evolving: Different reader apps are competing for user preference, driven by unique functionality, design, and syncing capabilities.
• 👤 User discovery: Apps encouraging geographical exploration can enhance user engagement by providing local discovery opportunities.

Questions & Answers

Q: What new shows are premiering on the network?

The network is launching several new shows this Sunday, including Kevin Pollak's Chat Show at 3 PM Pacific, This Week in Comedy with Ed Crasnick, and the debut episode of This Week in Movies featuring Jennifer Leigh Cox. This showcases a shift towards more entertainment-based content beyond technology.

Q: How long did it take to develop the Gowalla app for iPad?

Scott Raymond shared that they worked quickly to adapt their established iPhone app to the iPad, completing the port in about three weeks. Their goal was to create something functional as soon as possible while iterating on the design as feedback came in.

Q: What distinguishes Gowalla from its competitors?

Gowalla aims to integrate a strong sense of visual design and social connectivity, moving beyond just location check-ins to create a richer experience where users can explore, share photos, and interact through trips and user-generated content.

Q: How does the user interface of Reader differ from other RSS apps?

Reader emphasizes touch-based interactions, allowing users to easily flick and navigate through articles while syncing seamlessly with Google Reader. However, its design lacks color and flair, focusing instead on functionality.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The hosts introduce new non-tech shows premiering on their network, highlighting a Sunday lineup that includes comedy and movie discussions, generating excitement for viewers.

• An engaging interview takes place with Scott Raymond, CTO of Gowalla, discussing the evolution of their app from iPhone to iPad, focusing on user interaction and geolocation features.

• The conversation touches on the challenges and strategies of balancing gaming elements with user engagement in Gowalla, emphasizing exploration and social connections within the app.