Review: Type n Walk App Shows You Where to Go

Saturday, December 19, 2009

Game Name:	Type n Walk
Platforms:	iPhone
Publisher(s):	CGActive
Developer(s):	CGActive
Genre(s):	Utility and Social Networking
Version Reviewed:	1.0.5

When iPhone text fanatics (that’s most of us!) first hear of Type n Walk (App Store) our first reaction is “Cool I need that!” For the students who are falling down the stairs at school while texting the latest drama, for the business people running into lamp posts arranging their next meeting, and for this poor girl who fell down an open manhole while texting, we all are looking for an app that allows us to walk and text at the same time. All while being able to see where you are going rather than being focused on a tiny 2×2 screen. I mean really, who wants to just walk anymore?

So I eagerly downloaded this 99 cent app and anticipated being able to text and walk while being able to see what is in front of me on the iPhone display. Well caveat emptor people! Notice that this app is called Type n Walk? Not Text n Walk? Yes this app will allow you to compose on the display while the camera feeds you video of what is in front of you (you have to hold the phone up mind you or you get a picture of the ground beneath you not what is ahead of you). Once you have finished your message you then have to copy and paste said text into whatever communication medium you are using be that SMS, Facebook, Twitter or email.

According to the developer Type n Walk works with any app that accepts copy and paste and any website that works correctly in Mobile Safari. Type n Walk will allow you to do the copying but after that you have to open your other application to paste in the message, thus losing your video feed, and that’s when you crash into that garbage can. This application is probably best suited to those times when you are sitting and still want to be aware of what is going on around you. Like for those people taking public transit to keep an eye on potential pickpockets, but what if they jump you while you are pasting?

typewalkfeature

Some users will find a use for this app but for the majority this app is a big disappointment. Most reviewers on the App Store are giving it a 1. Some are asking for their money back. This app may have been developed as an April Fool’s Joke and then been recently updated. Regardless, this app definitely has potential. If Apple was smart they would buy the basic technology of this app, finish it off to make the text and video seamless, then install it on every iPhone through an update. But perhaps they are thinking of the implications…some dolt would try to text and drive, but surely no one is going to try that dangerous maneuver. Right?

App Rating: 2/5

Type n Walk (iTunes Link) is currently available in the App Store for $.0.99