Do we need a "mobile apps" forum?

[Omaroo]

Just an observation, but every day or two new mobile apps seem to be mentioned on here on various forums. Although there are far more available for the iOS devices, I'm sure that Android and Windows phones and tablets will soon be offering some decent applications too.

Given this, may I request that we think about a new forum tucked in under the Equipment group alongside Computers and Software? I think that it's distinctive enough of a topic nowadays, with the huge take-up of mobile devices as opposed to them being considered just another computer.

My iPad now remotely controls both my DSLR and mount in its own right - and I think that there are quite a few users of similar devices on here who think the same way.

Anyhow, just a question.

[acropolite]

I like the idea Chris.:thumbsup:

[Davi5678]

Poll option? Would be a yes for me, currently using starwalk on iphone, there are four or five other astronomy applications in my wishlist I'm considering. Would be good to get some feedback on peoples experiences.

[acropolite]

Dave, Sky Safari (Voyager) is on special at 1/3 price, $5.99 AU.

[danielsun]

Great idea Chris, I think an apps forum will interest many here. I have just got myself an IPhone 4 and have been doing a search here on previous threads on IPhone apps, so I'm all for it.:thumbsup:
B.T.W Just loving the IPhone 4 a truly brilliant device! :thumbsup:

Cheers Daniel.

[Omaroo]

C'mon everyone! There are piles of you out there with astronomy-related mobile apps! :hi:

[GrahamL]

Prolly not Chris.. like the idea has a lot of merit
but wouldn't it likely turn into a apple ..v..orange debate ?

[Omaroo]

I guess like any other topic in any other forum, it could.... but should that be reason not to have one? No one has put up a post in relation to a mobile app in recent times and had it turn into an argument. I think that this negative thinking kills every good idea. Why not give it a go? There are plenty of us who'd benefit - including the owner! :)

[mswhin63]

I think it would be nice to see a list instead, one that can be updated. Therefore users can browse astro related link and decide for themselves.

Just bought an IPhone todays and looking for apps ATM.

I dont want to buy apps until I can test them.

[AdrianF]

I have an iPhone and think a 'mobile apps' forum would be great.
Yes from me

Adrian

[dugnsuz]

Surely this new proposed forum could embrace apps for all mobile devices and OS's?

Yes from me Chris:thumbsup:

[dugnsuz]

ps...this thread jogged my memory re a bit of junk mail I got the other day. Don't know if this would be of any use to astro iPad users as it's quite specific but you never know...

http://www.ikmultimedia.com/iklip/features/

Doug

[Omaroo]

Mike? Terry? :question:

[acropolite]

One thing we could do immediately is merge the existing app threads and make it sticky.

[iceman]

I was waiting for more feedback from the community. There's only been a few people supporting it.

I do like the idea of an article, reviewing (or at least listing) the various astronomy-related mobile (iphone/ipad/android) apps.

[Octane]

Create it, and, they will come. ; )

H

[Omaroo]

I personally think that it would ultimately be a very popular forum rather than thread, at the rate at which apps are appearing and being discussed. Given that the radio astronomy forum has but 78 threads running since inception, not all forums need to be busy - but well defined would make it useful.

[DistroMan]

I use 10 Astronomy or astro related apps on my brand spanking new and much loved iPhone 4. A forum for the discussion of their use and features would be appreciated.

[Alchemy]

Why not......

Just had a quick look on my iPad and I've got 16 astro related apps.

[deanm]

A good idea.

A sticky would be better than an article because it could be added to as new apps or evolve.

Dean

[bartman]

I'll back it!
Malcom suggested that he would like to know how certain apps would fare for his requirements.
I have several apps that I could share wisdom about.
I think a separate forum would be great for this!:thumbsup:

Some of my apps include: Stramap, starmap pro, APOD, Iridium Flares, ISS visibillity, MoonMapLite, Planets, Starwalk, Distant suns, collider Lite, several weather forcasting apps, NASA, games that involve astronomy, spaceflight and physics, Theodolite and 3d sun.
Lots to talk about and share....

Bartman

[Davi5678]

Just downloaded 'Mypdfs' pdf file viewer for iphone for free, then loaded all the Caldwell and Messier catalogue maps that came on the cd with the new Bintel dob. They view quite nicely and you can scroll through a thumbnail list of all the files which is clear enough to pick out a constellation to find which map you want. Turn the brightness down and should work well for urban viewing where streetlights ruin your vision anyway.

[that_guy]

would this be only for iphones or for androids and blackberries and Windows Mobiles as well? :shrug:

[Omaroo]

Tony...read the opening post. ;)

[Osirisra]

Would be a popular forum me thinks and I for one would frequent it.

[iceman]

Ok, it's now created.
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=48

[iceman]

Remember that the new forum is specifically to discuss astronomy-related apps for your iPhone, iPad, etc, or astronomy-related use of your mobile device.

For general iphone discussions or problems etc, 'Software and Computers' or 'General Chat' is still the best place for those.

[iceman]

I've moved across most of the threads that discussed astronomy-related mobile apps that I could find.

Including this one :)

Cheers

[Omaroo]

Thanks for that Mike! :) Great move. I think that this will be a well-frequented forum and rather than being a simple thread will be better organised for it.

As you say, we need to keep it relevant to astronomy/photographic discussion.

Beaudy! :thumbsup: