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Last week the tech world was rocked once again by a new product from Apple. Steve Jobs ended months... no, years of speculation by finally revealing the Apple iPad--the much-awaited Apple tablet computer.
The iPad (which sounds like how our
balikbayan uncles would pronounce the original iPod) will run the applications written for Apple's iPhone and iPod Touch, and--despite the criticisms--will sell like cellphone load once it's released in March.
The success of the iPhone isn't really in the phone itself because it's not really a good phone. Nokias still text and call better, Samsungs have better screens, and Sony Ericssons have more features. The iPhone became successful because Apple designed it inside and out, and because of the apps that one could install on it.
It wasn't long before
apps were created for motorists, not to mention the iPhone's Google Maps program can be used for navigation. But what not a lot of people know are the apps that didn't make it. As you might now, Apple approves all programs that are submitted by developers, and not all programs make the cut.
Here are some of the apps that never saw the light of an iPhone screen.
1.
Kotong computer
You enter what violation you think you, er, violated from a list of choices like "number coding," "swerving," "illegal left/right/turn" and "the traffic enforcer thinks you're a pushover." Then Google Maps pinpoints your location to determine which jurisdiction you're under (MMDA, Pasig boys in blue, or the MAPSA). Then it computes the appropriate amount of bribe that will get you off the hook.
Why it didn't work:
The app kept underestimating how hungry the traffic enforcers were.
2.
One-way guide
The guide that would have finally made sense of the labyrinthine streets of the Makati Central Business District, as well as the rest of Manila's one-way streets that are barely labeled as such.
Why it didn't work:
The developers asked for the definitive traffic map from all the municipalities. They're still waiting for feedback.
3.
Kindness reminder
When you're driving on a new road the GPS will activate and remind you whose pork barrel funds
got a kickback paid for the new road, despite new roads being the point of public funds. A beep will sound from your iPhone and announce that the road you're enjoying was built "through the kindness of..."
Why it didn't work:
Because it's bull***t.
4.
Coding avoidance
Using satellite imagery this program pinpoints which intersections and roads have traffic cops watching. If you know which roads are free of traffic enforcers you can plan your route using those roads.
Why it didn't work:
Traffic enforcers were too good at hiding, they evaded satellite detection.
5.
Bus schedule
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It informed you of the exact time of the bus arrivals and the bus routes so you can predict your travel time when using public transport.
Why it didn't work:
Apple took one look at our bus stops and laughed.
6.
LTO one-stop shop
This app simplified basic LTO procedures like renewing your license and car registration. Simply bring your iPhone along when you go through the steps and the LTO app acts like all the windows of an LTO office, approving each step as you accomplish them.
Why it didn't work:
The fixers kept hacking in and interfering.
7.
BF Mobile
When you feel like your personal discipline is on the edge and you're about to commit a traffic violation, activate this app and BF's visage will pop up and remind you about how important discipline is, why we need to segregate our garbage, and how the right leader is needed to restore order to the chaos of the country.
Why it didn't work:
Test users violated traffic laws out of spite upon seeing BF's face, defeating the purpose of the app.
