TeamRadar Smartphone App

[Raging Hormann]

Greetings,

I recently discovered an App called TeamRadar available for iPhones, Windows 7 Phones and Android Phones. It is a neat little app that displays your position (as well as your friends that are using the same Team Tag) onto a picture of Google Maps using the GPS in your phone.

There are two versions, free and "High Speed". The HS version is $9.95 on the Android Marketplace but the free version is free (Go figure). I have learned that the free version will update your GPS location every 10 seconds. I am not sure about the High Speed version, it could be much faster.

In order for you and your team to see each other, you must be using the same Team Tag. The team Tags are case sensetive so it's like a password to see the locations of the other people. I've found this app to be very neat as it provides digital discretion to you and your teammates locations, while making it easy to see each other on a map.

To use the app you must input a Team Tag first. For example, Alpha23. Then you input a nickname for your signal. Big Red, in my case. After inputting Team Tag and Nickname info, you turn the location function on and the TeamRadar app is functioning fully. The app's default viewing position is over Europe, but you can easily locate yourself by hitting your menu button and selecting "Find Me".

Another function of the app that I find specifically cool for Airsoft is the ability to place markers on the map. I am unsure if others are able to see the markers as I haven't yet shown the app to anyone (having just discovered it myself) but something tells me that the marker function isn't just for your own viewing pleasure.

I strongly suggest that anyone with a smartphone give this app a whirl and consider its possible tactical applications for future events. I see great potential in fireteams using arm mounted phones to be able to see their teammates' locations on a whim instead of flooding their com-lines with unneeded chatter about whereabouts.

Do note, however, that this app being on requires your phone's GPS to be active and will deplete battery life much more quickly than your average day. I suggest investing in a beefier battery (If possible) if you intend to use this app in the field on a regular basis. Rest assured I'm definitely giving it a try at the nexts few games I go to.

Now to find a waterproof arm sleeve for a smartphone...

Until next time,
Spencer Hormann

Team Tag:
Alpha23
Nickname:
Big Red

Website:
http://www.sizzlecode.com/products/teamradar/

[Raging Hormann]

Update:

ZsTheMan and I did a little experiment and indeed others can see the markers you place on the map. Unfortunately the markers do not stay on the map for more than about 30 seconds.

The free version comes with an ad banner at the top. Then again, what that's free these days doesn't come with ads.

Looking forward to seeing this in use and trying it out myself at future games!

[McNair]

Too bad cell reception blows at some fields.

[Rogue Reaper]

Iplayed withthat or something JUST like it about 3-4 years ago. Very cool, Very unusable in the field.

[Matt]

Sounds like an interesting idea, but at most fields that are big enough to lose your teammates, cell reception blows on pretty much every network. I also wouldn't want to take a BB to the face of my phone.

[McNair]

Sounds like an interesting idea, but at most fields that are big enough to lose your teammates, cell reception blows on pretty much every network. I also wouldn't want to take a BB to the face of my phone.

Turn it around