The Utah government recently released the first government-produced iPhone application (iTunes link). The application is designed to be a repository of information useful for the citizens of Utah. It is searchable and browsable- but requires an Internet connection, as it provides links to Utah state websites instead of local information. The application also provides some featured news, though it is unclear how those stories are selected.

I tend to agree with ReadWriteWeb's post about the application. This application is not really appropriate, especially given its functionality. While I love my iPod Touch and MacBook, Apple is not known for making open platforms. A mobile Web page with similar functionality would certainly still work on the Apple platform, in addition to the many other Internet-capable mobile devices. The goal of these types of initiatives should be to make information available to the widest possible audience in a convenient package. So, while it may be tempting to jump on the iPhone bandwagon, it is not the only platform governments should develop for.

That said, I am encouraged by a Newsweek article this week which talks about the military applications of the Apple device. Given the tremendous number of applications available, its simple interface and hardware configuration, the military is finding it incredibly useful. Among other things, the military is using the device as the hardware interface to an inherently social web of tactical information: reconnaissance footage from overhead unmanned aerial vehicles can be transmitted directly to the device, soldiers can post information about certain areas (tagged by street) and then pull that information up by snapping a picture of a street sign and explosive ordinance disposal teams can use the motion sensor to control their robots.

They've given the lifestream aggregation concept popularized by sites like FriendFeed a helmet and an M16. Who would have thought a few years ago that the social network would move from the realm of teen gossip to helping America fight smarter in Iraq and Afghanistan?


Link to original post