US government opens multi-platform app 'store'
updated 05:05 pm EDT, Tue July 6, 2010
US government relaunches site with fresh cues
The US federal government has re-launched its USA.gov website last week with tweaks it has learned from the private sector. The less bureaucratic website now also includes an app store, with 18 free apps currently available for download. The apps are compatible with iPhones, Blackberries and Android devices, though not every app is available for every type of device. The term app is also used loosely, as some of them are simply websites optimized for viewing on the smaller screens found on mobile devices.
The website has information on taxes, school loans, travel, elections, consumer protection, the environment and health, with the apps dedicated to these topics. There is an app dedicated to calculating a user Body Mass Index (BMI), My TSA for real-time operating status of US airports for travelers, and a recall app that lets users see if a product has any safety recalls associated with it. More apps are on the way, but when they arrive and what they will focus on hasn't been revealed. The details page says some of the apps have a small fee associated with them. [via CNN]
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2001
Cool!
I know it's quite fashionable to knock the government these days, but this is genuine progress on at least this front. Useful apps for a variety of programs, popular information right up front, clear organization ... who are you and what have you done with the REAL federal government? :)