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FRA launches new grade crossing smartphone app
@Radford,
The problem with Android devices is that the operating system may (is) not exactly the same between manufacturers, or even within different product lines from the same manufacturer. If you own one I would suspect that you’ve come across at least one app that you were not able to download (with a message along the lines of, “device not supported”). This is not a problem with the app per se, but rather with the device manufacturer. In order to make an app compliant with all / most Android devices often times they need to be simplified. (For a very good example of this compare the eBay app for Android vs. the eBay app available for the iPad or iPhone.)
Google is going to have to make a tough decision soon. They’re either going to have to start enforcing standards for Android or give up on the app business. Based on a recent comment from one of the higher ups at Google about apps being a trend, I suspect it’s the latter.
The real question that needs to be asked is whether or not the FRA’s investment in the app was worthwhile. While it may be cool will it be anything more than a novelty? And at what cost to the taxpayer?
What about Android phones? Samsung is going to overtake Apple soon in the smartphone realm, and Android phones are becoming as popular as Apple iPhones.
Yes, that would handy for emergency personnel. Too bad it’s not available for android!
This is just wonderful. One more thing to distract the already distracted drivers not paying attention to what they should be paying attention to. I can easily see a the future situation having a driver too busy checking grade crossing information on the so-called smart phone and not paying any attention to where the driver is going, only to run into the side of a domestic intermodal train. Then if the driver lives, to turn around and file lawsuit against the railroad and the not-so smart phone manufacturer.
Perhaps it is good there is no equivalent for Android.
On this rare occasion I agree with Guse’s post!
What a waste of government time and money…this makes no sense to me…