Traffic monitor applications are keeping popping out, along with endless daily traffic jam in Jakarta. It is 4id’s turn to come up with MacetTer.us, a special application for Blackberry platform. Still in beta version, this application support OS ver 4.5 and above, except for 95xx type which is in updating process. For the meantime the application only covers Jakarta area. According to Marcello Gunadirdja, one of developer team members, MacetTer.us is developed from iMud application previously used as information for people who are going back to their home village with Java as coverage area.
What does MacetTer.us have more compared to other traffic monitor application? Not much, really and CCTV traffic view service (when available) also taken from available data from LewatMana and Jasa Marga. The other feature is presenting street condition according to data shared by its users in form of bar graphic. Of course the more users provide reports on street condition, the more accurate its street condition data statistic. For this beta version there are over 80 streets and growing. Users can also submit (new) street data if it isn’t registered yet.
To use this application, you will need GPS is a must. The weakness of this application, according to Marcello, that when you are in the area where GPS signal is bad, it will take longer time to track your location. You will have to reset the application if it happens during usage. According to Marcello, new features will be added to the next version although he didn’t explain what kind of features will be implemented.
There are two MacetTer.us competitors in this genre, LewatMana and Infoll. LewatMana at the moment is only focusing through website and Twitter, and providing additional information such as garage, gas station, hospital locations etc. Recently LewatMana won Netexplorateur Award of The Year 2011 in Paris, France. Infoll, besides getting their follower through Twitter, is directing its users to use mobile based website accessible from any kind of mobile phone with browser and connected to the internet, with tidier, structured and more interesting looks.
Based on the recent version’s feature, for development suggestion, it is better to consider implementing data authentication using Facebook and/or Twitter from early on, so that users don’t have to create new account. Next, of course of how data can be filled as much as possible to increase application’s accuracy and advantage when used around Jakarta. Finally, they should think of how to overcome GPS signal issue. Is it by switching to BTS triangulation to help locating users better? Let’s wait and see its next developed version.
Translated by Nita Sellya.
