The idea of a GPS device provider opening their API seems a bit odd at first. When you have as many developer customers as Dash however, opening your API is a great way to play to their geeky side. Beyond that Dash will now have a great (free) way to see how customers respond to different functionality added to their systems. Maybe they can start promoting certain apps on their site, maybe a few apps will even help shape future development; regardless, third-party contribution is most often a good thing. So it has only been a few weeks since the Dash API became available, when can we expect some apps? How about right now? Developers have attacked Dash head on and come up with some really great added functionality for Dash units. Examples include apps that will give you weather alerts, provide local info based on your location and even locate nearby garage sales for you. Perhaps the most interesting third-party addition however, is the Twitter integration. The again supports our theory that it’s only a matter of time before everything in the world is somehow tied into social networking and / or microblogging sites. Check out the video above to see how a Dash user can share his or her location in just a few clicks. The post sent to Twitter even includes an automatically-created link to the exact location on Google Maps. Users can also see the 20 most recent tweets from their Twitter contacts on their Dash unit, but it’s probably not such a great idea while you’re moving.
Dash Opens API, Developers Attack
Published Jun 18th, 2008 9:53AM EDT
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Zach Epstein has been the Executive Editor at BGR for more than 15 years. He manages BGR’s editorial team and ensures that best practices are adhered to. He also oversees the Ecommerce team and directs the daily flow of all content. Zach first joined BGR in 2007 as a Staff Writer covering business, technology, and entertainment.
His work has been quoted by countless top news organizations, and he was recently named one of the world's top 10 “power mobile influencers” by Forbes. Prior to BGR, Zach worked as an executive in marketing and business development with two private telcos.
