Alternative Power

Supported by uLocate Communication Inc.’s first GPS widget platform for rapid development and publishing called WHERE, mobile applications company NearBio has launched two new widgets designed for the environmentally-conscious customers.

 

The use of the WHERE platform removes the burden experienced by users who want to know their exact location i.e. state, city, or zip code before receiving desired information.

 

The first widget utilizes the most inclusive database of locations to pinpoint the five nearest biodiesel fueling stations in a given location. For added convenience, the stations, payment info, blend types, service hours, and directions are also included.

 

The second widget, on the other hand, relies on the closest Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) air quality monitoring station to capture the forecasted and current air quality.

 

These two widgets were developed in less than 24 hours, did not undergo testing to different handsets and negotiations with mobile operators, according to NearBio co-founder Lisa Hull.

 

Considerable reduction in development lead time of GPS-based products is perhaps the most significant contribution of WHERE in this blooming industry. This reduction leads to speed in market advantage and significant cost savings.

 

In a press release, uLocate President and CEO Walt Doyle stated, "GPS applications, while useful, are historically difficult to develop. The time required to build a GPS-based application can take twelve months or more. Plus, developers must also integrate their applications with one or multiple carrier platforms. This all requires extensive time, money and business development skills as partnerships have to be formed. Many developers have shied away from such an undertaking."

 

WHERE is available for free at www.where.com/create. It also offers flexibility for developers to assemble applications on mobile handsets using their preferred development language.