Interview with the Developers of Trapster App for Android
by Antonio Wells
Mar 21, 2010 6:05 AM –
Trapster helps save money in your pocket and road hazards by letting you know of police speed traps, red light and speed cameras on the road in real-time by crowd sourcing the information from it’s user base. We’re interviewing Trapster’s Social Media Manager Sean Farrell to get more insight on the popular Android app:
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
I’m Sean Farrell – Social Media Manager for Trapster.com. All around rock star / mini poodle trainer. Spent my career bouncing around web teams, from sony.com /sonystyle.com to callawaygolf.com and now trapster.com.
Trapster – The #1 Driving app in the world. With over 4 million users and 1.5 million “traps” reported world wide.
Why did you create your app?
Pete Tenerillio created Trapster, to warn other motorists of police speed traps, red light and speed cameras, and other wallet hazards.
Trapster also keeps drivers aware of road hazards. Pete saw the need for a driving app that could save you money and keep you safe.
Pete is a car enthusiast, so the idea came out of a discussion with his car buddies.
What technology did you use in creating your App and why?
Electricity. Android app is based on google maps. it combines technologies such as croudsourcing, GPS, wireless location, voice transcription, geocoding, reverse geocoding, and SMS, with a central database server.
It communicates in real time, using the Internet.
What is a cool uncovered tip or trick you can do with the App?
It can be used with the screen off, in a “soft lock” by pressing the power button once. It will still alert you while driving! Saving battery is important to everyone.
Can you tell us about future feature enhancements with your App?
Integrating features from our other platforms: Patrol, Caravan, My Trips, Facebook and Twitter Integration
What are some things you would like to see improved with Android?
Better GPS chips on handsets released. Better marketplace quality control (same people with 5 of the same apps with slight different names) A better / more clear OS upgrade path for older android phones.
What is your opinion of the Android App Market’s distribution method? In comparison Apple’s model (strict control over the iTunes store) or the Windows Mobile model (no store at all).
We like the dist model of having it more open. We would like to see a little more filtering. Definitely preferable to no App Store at all, and would like it on every Android phone not just google’s approved ones.
What is your Opinion on the state of the Rating/Feedback system in the App Market?
We are quite fond of it. The ability to mark comments as SPAM is a great feature. Too many times you will get a 1 star review that just says “SUCKS”. They do a good job of removing these reviews once they are marked as spam.
Do you have plans on releasing Apps for other markets (i.e. iPhone, Windows Mobile, Blackberry, etc.)?
We are currently on the following markets: iPhone, Blackberry, Windows Mobile, Nokia, WebOS, and phones that support J2ME. We go where the people want, we love being able to provide a free service to so many platforms.
Must-have Android Apps?
Kwaak3, Pandora, Applause.
What advice would you give to another aspiring mobile application developer?
always remember KISS
Can you tell us what future Android Apps you have brewing?
No, but I can tell you they will be amazing.
Thanks Sean! Don’t forget to check out our Android App Review of Trapster!