Eastside Cannery Opens
Posted by Hunter on August 28, 2008
As Chuck at VegasTripping.com notes, the Eastside Cannery opens tonight.
I don't have this hotel in the RV or Vegas Mate databases yet and it brings me back to a question I've been asking myself for some time - should I remove a lot of the 'locals' joints from RateVegas and Vegas Mate?
Those pages get far less traffic than Strip and even Downtown properties and having them there means more upkeep and more data to clutter navigation. Is it worth it?
I'm sure I'd keep places like GVR and Red Rock and of course The Palms, Rio and other near-Strip joints. I'm talking about nixing the Fiesta, Texas Station, etc... If I'm going to do it, now is the time, especially for the iPhone app. Thoughts?
Vegas Mate - Interactive City Guide for iPhone Now Available
Posted by Hunter on August 27, 2008
My first iPhone application, Vegas Mate, has been published to the iTunes App Store.
More information is here:
http://www.vegasmateforiphone.com
to see the listing in the store (opens in iTunes) click here:
http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewSoftware?id=288946782&mt=8
The app has been 'in review' for over a week and I already have a significant update ready that includes three dozen new hotel reviews and a few bug fixes - that will be sent to Apple shortly.
Unlike paper-based travel guides, Vegas Mate's content updates will be consistent and available for free.
Vegas Mate uses the location-aware nature of the iPhone and iPod Touch to help you sort through the hundreds of choice on and near The Strip.
I'm proud of the app and excited about features I want to add down the road as well as other apps I want to build. It's only getting more interesting from here on out!
Las Vegas and Digital Media
Posted by Hunter on August 21, 2008
Steve Friess has a great article in the Las Vegas Weekly about digital media and Las Vegas.
http://www.lasvegasweekly.com/news/2008/aug/21/digital-vegas/
Clearly, something I'm interested in. Besides the podcast and this site, I just submitted my first Las Vegas related iPhone/iPod Touch application, Vegas Mate, to the iTunes App Store for review - it should be for sale very soon.
I'd love to do another Podcast-a-palooza and have main-stream media participating - it could take the event another couple of notches above where it was this year. I have hope.
Vegas.com Launches Mobile Services (Welcome to the Party Guys)
Posted by Hunter on July 21, 2008
Greenspun owned Vegas.com has launched a mobile site for cell phones and smart phones featuring show and event info, as well as some hotel and restaurant data. They also have a text messaging interface for some cell data.
It seems like a reasonable first effort, though the mobile site does require a ton of link clicking/tapping to get to the goods. I expect it to improve and maybe someday be the primary driver of their business.
Anyone that's followed this site for any period of time knows that I'm pretty bullish on mobile for stuff like this. I've had a cell phone/BlackBerry site for 2 years, an iPhone optimized site for one year and in maybe a month or so, a native iPhone app that integrates with the GPS for even more 'wow' factor (I was just going over icons with the designer today).
Vegas Gang #10 - Economic Woes to Bankrupt LVS?
Posted by Hunter on June 13, 2008
Vegas Gang #10 is up - http://www.vegasgangpodcast.com
This episode focuses on the CityCenter walkout and the economy vs. Las Vegas. We cover a few stories on the specifics, including an entry suggesting that LVS is heading for Chapter 11. That may be an extreme outcome but its an interesting discussion point.
Also, a little bit on the iPhone and its impact on Las Vegas.
Enjoy the show and feel free to post your comments here.
UPDATE: Stiffs and George's has a story about Palazzo's underwhelming performance: http://www.lasvegasadvisor.com/blogs/dmckee/index.cfm/2008/6/13/Oops-he-did-it-again
Las Vegas Info on the iPhone and iPod Touch
Posted by Hunter on June 9, 2008
So, I know it's no secret - I've mentioned it before on the podcast and in comments here - I will be releasing an app for the iPhone and iPod Touch specifically for Las Vegas travelers.
I'm not going to reveal too much now but it will include a ton of useful info, updated regularly and much of it prepared specifically for the new app. There will also be a couple of things that take advantage of the device's special features like ability to determine it's location.
I've been working hard on this for a few months - I had a learning curve in getting used to the tools that Apple provided.
So, when will this be out? It'll be at least a few more weeks before I start a real testing program and then release shortly afterwards. I haven't set a price either, but it will be inexpensive and I hope for anyone that visits Las Vegas regularly, very worthwhile.
I'll be announcing more details here in the future, so if you're interested, stay tuned.
If you run a Las Vegas blog, podcast or Web site and have an iPhone/iPod Touch, drop me a line at (editor at ratevegas dot com) - I will be providing free copies for you to test out and tell your readers about.
