on{x}

The other day, I saw the most interesting app on Android possibly ever. I could try to explain it but I would not do a sufficient job (not to mention my lack of grammar checking on this blog), so here is a video:

After reading about this application, I immediately thought it was awesome. Then, I realized its developer was Microsoft... Why isn't this on Windows Mobile? Maybe because Microsoft profits off Android devices enough that they should develop amazing apps like this?

Then, I thought of the unlimited possibilities! While it's cool to have my phone text someone I'm leaving work or something, I don't think I would ever use it in that way. It would be good to have my phone automatically go to vibrate or such while at work though (I think this has been implemented on mainstream phones already). Now, there is something that can be customized to exactly what I want with what looks like an extremely simple interface and an easily accessible code base. I will not need 20 apps to do 20 different things anymore!

I wonder if it would be possible to have the app constantly alert me when I miss a call/message from a certain person (e.g. My mother) because a tiny LED light isn't enough. It should be pretty simple.

One thing I would love to see is an alert/message when I am in close range with a friend (assuming he/she agreed to share this information), like at the mall or restaurant. Or have my phone message friends from different states when I enter their state. Or if you have a to-do list such as getting toilet paper and ice cream (They go hand and hand, I know), and you're close to a Target or Walmart, it could alert you if you have nothing on your schedule. Automatic check-ins could greatly enhance the Google Places/Foursquare experience. And if it could recognize that I'm at a tennis court and text anyone that messages/calls me that I'm playing tennis, it would be splendid.

As I wrote months before, it seems that battery technology is lagging behind power consumption. With on{x}, it seems that the GPS locator will be on constantly, making it a power monster application. But you can find ways to "save" some energy with on{x} too, by only turning Bluetooth when driving, have Wi-Fi automatically turn on at home, etc. But ultimately it's going to be a combination of smarter applications and battery technology to solve the battery life.