iTouch/iPhone Geocaching Apps

[Neys Lunch]

Yes the application did cost me $9.99 but I figure all the paper I printed over the last two years was enough to fill a 6" binder..... don't ask me why I keep them .....LOL.... seemed waistful to just throw them out..... anyway there has to be $10 worth of paper in that binder so to me it was worth 10 to save a tree.

the application i'm using is "Geocaching v3.0 a Groundspeak project"  no reason for picking that over the others ... other than it was a web site I trusted and recognized since it has the same logo as the Geocaching.com

so far it does everything I need it to do...... I haven't figured out how to change my location on the maps yet.

[shroomAzoom]

Cool. And if we ever get to upgrade to an iTouch with a built in GPS, we'll be really set, eh? How do you get the caches you want into the app? Maybe I should just splurge and get it. Hmm.

[Wandering_Man]

Hmm looks like this is one more reason why I should think about getting an iTouch one of these days.

Very cool little app

[Neys Lunch]

When you are in an area where there is internet service you can do searches 1. nerby caches 2. Postal code search or 3. GC# search
once you see the caches and select the ones you want to go after you can save them to your iPod touch so when you are out in the field you can recall them and see the description, recient logs, hints, maps...ect

Easy Peasy!!!!

[jleecollins]

I guess my recent technology change was going from entering geocaches manually to uploading the geocache to my Garmin Oregon 200.  I get the cache description, hints, latest logs and can mark and found then go to the next nearest.  May be old school to some but new for me.  It is great

[Mechman]

I got the app from groundspeak too.  On a touch, there is no GPS so the location stuff does not really work.  Although somehow when I was in LA - it knew exactly where I was - must be some estimating based on wifi points it locates.  Anyway the program works pretty good as a paperless system, and can even download posted pictures, and past logs.  It requires an internet connection to refresh and download "nearby" caches, but the way I use it is to make pocket queries - which you can then download and save direct to the unit, with no need to go online.  I can do a demo for those of you coming to the event this month.

[shroomAzoom]

I broke down and just bought it yesterday. There was another one I was looking at, CacheBuddy, but the Geocaching.com app seemed like the better choice. I've successfully downloaded a PQ of my own caches to the app, but haven't been able to dl the PQ of my local caches still left to find. Hmm.

As far as the iTouch knowing your location, there's a service it uses called Skyhook. Skyhook keeps a database of wifi hotspots and where they are. When I was in Winnipeg this spring, it picked up on it and that was my location for a few months (even when I was back in TBay.) I've submitted my work wifi and my home wifi to skyhook, and now it picks up on those too.

http://www.skyhookwireless.com/howitworks/submit_ap.php

[Neys Lunch]

Very cool, I will make a submission to skyhook as soon as I get home today!!!!  thanks!!!  my iPod touch thinks I am in Seattle....ishh

[ChrisDom]

Don't rush out to buy that Iphone yet.  Coming in Feb is an ipod touch cradle, XGPS300 with a retail price of $179.99 (still cheaper than an Iphone).  It has a rechargable battery so it can be used in and outside of the car.   See:Cradle

[ChrisDom]

 For anyone with the Itouch, Seattle Coffee on Arthur Street in TBay has free WI-FI that has its location fixed through Skyhook.  Could come in handing for those that are paperless caching during the Spring Event.

[shroomAzoom]

Good news to report. First, I seem to be able to download my most important PQ to the GC.com iTouch app, "Local Caches Left to Find." WM and I put that to use this past week when we were out.

Second... http://store.apple.com/us/product/H1062 That's a link to the Apple store where you can purchase (for $199US) the GPSr Cradle that ChrisDom was telling us about. It's simply a GPSr that your iTouch plugs into. Makes it into another GPSr. Cool!

[Wandering_Man]

I wonder how long it will be before they produce a touch with the GPS built right in.

I do have to say the app was very cool to have along on the hunt. It was great being able to check all the information about the cache. This app has made me seriously consider getting a touch.

[shroomAzoom]

Well, as far as adding GPSr capability to the iTouch, it may happen this summer. In July, Apple usually refreshes it's iPhone/iPod line and fingers are crossed that this year the iTouch will get GPSr and a camera too. So, if you're thinking of buying, hold off until July.

[Wandering_Man]

Well I was hoping to have one long before that, but I guess if thats the case and the new generations are launched in July, I can wait a little longer.

Any idea when they start discussing what will be included in the new version?

[shroomAzoom]

Rumours will fly, but nothing will be for certain until the announcement from Apple in July.