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A few weeks ago, Trapster — one of the Android Market’s first driving assist applications — saw a sizeable update in the Play Store. For those unfamiliar with the app, Trapster looks to help smartphone users evade costly traffic violations by alerting users when the po-po are out tryin’ to catch ya ridin’ dirty (something I’m all too familiar with). The app takes crowd sourced data from other Trapster users in your area, and with everyone working together, the app will notify you of speed traps, red light cameras, road hazards and vehicle accidents — pretty much anything that has the potential to ruin your day while driving.
In the latest update, Trapster added all new profile pages for users that displays karma points which can be gained for those successfully reporting accurate driving conditions. Think of it as Trapster’s way of keeping its users honest. Keep in mind, if you don’t set up an account and profile, you wont be able to report “traps.” Also new is the ability to share traps quickly and easily with your favorite social networks. That way you can help grandma avoid that DUI checkpoint on her way home.
So, is the app worth a download? Well, I decided to give Trapster a spin in my hands-on video so you guys can see for yourself if it’s worth checking out. Enjoy.
[Play Store Link: Trapster]
I remember when i had a blackberry on Verizon, and this app became available to Blackberries, but when i tried using it, Verizon blocked access to the GPS receiver!
Circa 2008
Oh, Verizon :p
I used to have this, and I’d use it if two things happened. 1) There was an elegant and hassle-free way to mount my phone in my car. 2) The data was really accurate and it found all traps and police, not just some traps.
I think tracking police is…. illegal? O_o
That would make a lot of sense, but isn’t there a place in the app to mark speed traps and active police officers?
Yeah, I think I misunderstood your comment. But yeah. Once more people start using it in your area (I’d imagine there’s a ton of people in San Fran using it), it’ll become more accurate. :p
Well now I’m the one holding the app back by not using it. I’ll have to check it out and figure out a car mount.
You can find a good car mount on Amazon, and Im sure anyplace else that sells accessories for smartphones.
Try RAM Mounts. They might not be elegant (from your first comment), or specialized for any individual phones, but they’re *extremely* configureable. I personally use this: http://www.amazon.com/RAM-Mounting-Systems-RAM-HOL-UN4U-Universal/dp/B001QD8Q5Q/ref=sr_1_4?s=gps&ie=UTF8&qid=1347934985&sr=1-4 to hold my Galaxy Nexus in the car. I’ve got it configured so that I only need 2 of the medium sized “fingers” with the rubberized grips in the middle of the 3 slots, and it holds my phone almost in a death grip.
That thing is crazy! I do like the idea of a death grip. Thanks for the recommendation.
I feel like it is only useful if you’re in a city. Not to mention it’s so complex that it doesn’t seem so… hands free. I feel like unless I was a passenger on a road trip, I would crash from using the app. Also it’s illegal in my state.
I agree, people are supposed to keep their eyes on the road. This is same as texting, and should be illegal in many municipalities.
Why would knowing the whereabouts of the assets that you and I pay for be illegal?
Also see police scanner radios. Those are perfectly legal (in most states) and allow one to keep tabs on donut swaps.
Puppy brains?? Lol wow..
Handy little app, but remember it is getting info from real people using the app – not just from some satellite! Easy enough to report live cops spotted while driving & a kindness to other drivers. Also can confirm or disaffirm traps reported by others. If I set notifications to too short a distance, it drives me nuts when near an Interstate.
As for easy mounting of phone, I bot one at R Shack that mounts in the air vent. Paid $30 but worth every penny because it is also adjustable to angle phone the way I want it. Holder part also adjusts to fit a variety of devices.
I’ve used it in the past, but it got my phone way too hot, would turn bluetooth off w/o warning, and rebooted phone a couple times. I switched to Waze which is every bit as good.
Hey Chris nice video review! I would like to know what phone case your using. I also have a Galaxy Nexus and I’ve been sporting a Cruzerlite A2 case and I would like to switch it up.Thanks in advance.
I felt compelled to post this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ad1Umj6hxMw
Wow, scrolling in that app looked like garbage. I don’t know how devs are still releasing/updating apps that run like that on 4.0+ Android. I looked like you were scrolling at a steady 1.2 FPS just in the menus. That’s absurd on newer hardware and software nowadays and it’s small things like that that make iOS/WP7 look a bit better.
In theory you want to know where the cops are in case you need assistance :p lol