Balloons! for the iPhone..

[Cameron]

Hey Guys,

 

I've been watching the progress of this app since it started beta testing several months ago, and I'm been really looking forward to it being released. The basic premise is that you release a balloon up into the sky with a photo and a message, and then other people can catch your balloon and add their own notes. I have already added notes to balloons from the UK and Texas (I'm in Chicago), and I have released two balloons already (the second one is specifically TPR themed..).

 

Great fun to connect with people all over the world. Who will be the first TPR member to find another member's balloon?

 

I know nothing about the developers, but it would be cool if they work on an Android version too - the bigger the audience, the more fun the game can be.

 

More information (including a demo video) can be found here. The app is just $3, although there is a free "lite" version too, I'm not sure what functionality had been omitted from the free version.

 

Cameron.

[odene497]

When I saw this thread I thought you meant the game "Bloons" which is awesome. But this sounds really cool! When the iPhone becomes available to more servers I might look into getting one.

[SharkTums]

If Cameron says it's good, I'll put up the $3! Downloading now! I'll launch some balloons later!

[StealthFan]

Just had a look and the App is £1.79 in the UK, I may buy it later today.

[SharkTums]

Coasterguy4 found two of my balloons!!! CREEPY!!!!

[nay]

I haven't sent out any balloons yet, but I caught a few just to see what kind of things others are sending out there. Two of them were photos taken while sitting on the toilet!

[SharkTums]

^Oh dear!

 

One thing I've noticed...can you only send pictures that you take with the program? I'm kind of bummed you can't attach previously taken pictures in your iPhone album.

 

Am I missing something?

[nay]

^

I noticed that, too. I was going to send up a balloon with a picture I already had saved but it wouldn't let me. Oh well!

[nay]

I found one of Elissa's and one of Cameron's balloons! I just launched my first one a few minutes ago. See if you can find it!

[kumba830]

I found one Elissa's that Renee had commented on, and Cameron caught the first Balloon I sent out!

[Jojo19799]

What a bummer! It's not compatible with the iTouch. Looks like I'll be switching service (and phone) pretty soon!!

[Cameron]

The not being able to send photos from your photo library is a real shame, and a surprising oversight considering the API provides that functionality. Some other issues I've had is the dog-slow user-interface .. sure the cloud-wipe is pretty, but I should have to wait for a screen transition! (This might not be a problem on the 3GS..). It also bugs me that I can't comment on other people's comments on my balloons, or even track other balloons I've commented on.

 

Still it's really fun, and I think just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to awesome world-wide social/GPS games that are possible on mobile platforms. I've so far launched 6 balloons (although one has already popped), and caught several armfuls of them (including one or two from Nathan - haven't seen Ranee's or Elissa's yet though). I have also caught a few from Blackpool, which was cool

 

Cameron.

[nay]

It also bugs me that I can't comment on other people's comments on my balloons, or even track other balloons I've commented on.

 

Yeah, I was hoping to see that too. Still a cool app, though!

 

Caught one of Nathan's last night, and sent up another one that is semi-TPR related.