App Review: ProxToMe (iOS & Android) by Matt Parziale

Background:

One of my many pet peeves is when people are at a big event and everyone is taking pictures of the same thing. I have always thought: How about just a few people take pictures and then share them with the rest. The answer is because there was no practical way to do this besides exchange e-mail addresses and attach it. Eww. Who wants to remember the e-mail: applefanboyclown@gmail.com? No one.

Overview:

A new mobile app has been recently developed called “ProxToMe”. It is a service that allows you to share all types of files with other users in your “proximity”. This app is available for iOS and Android. When you start the app, you have to login with a Facebook login. (Not my favorite aspect of this app) Then, you will be asked to sign into your Dropbox to add Dropbox sending functionality through the app, but this step is optional. When you are on the main screen of the app, you will be presented with two tabs: “Nearby” and “Contacts”. The “Nearby” tab will show you all users that have the app and that are within 300 feet of you. You can click on one and open up a chat style window to send photos, videos, files, messages, and much more. You can also add people to your “Contacts” list from here. This will allow you and your friend to have all the sharing functionality when you are anywhere.

First Impressions:

When I first went to their website to check out the app, I found it a little bland. It had no words explaining the app just a few links to videos that did so. (proxtome.com) I then downloaded the app on my Android device. Going through the setup was a breeze, just login to Facebook and Dropbox. The issue was after the fact. Immediately, I realized that it had turned my Bluetooth antenna on. Soon I figured out that this app uses Bluetooth to connect to the other mobile devices and to make sure that they are both within a 300 feet radius. This makes sense because the range of Bluetooth is approx. 300 feet. 2 words: “Battery drainer” Leaving Bluetooth of drains a significant amont of charge from your battery causing a shortened battery life. They could have used a better alternative for the geolocation system, Cell Tower Triangulation. Although less accurate, it uses less battery life. Anyway, who wants one app hogging up all your system resources, even when you are   out of it.

Conclusion:

This app is a good start to the concept of sharing content based on geo-location. The main issue is not enough people use it. For this app to thrive, many people around you need to use it. Although it needs some improving, this app is still very good and I recommend you download and spread the word. Rating: 7.5/10