Metal Detector solves some problems you don't have

Every so often I get the idea I'm living in some kind of parallel universe where iPhone apps are created that look great but just don't do anything of value.

Such an app is Metal Detector [App Store] that for US$0.99 cents purports to detect metal around you. It requires an iPhone 3GS because it uses the built in magnetometer (compass) to work.

Well, it did discover my bird cage, but I could see that anyway. It reacted to a stop sign, and a fire hydrant when I was on my morning run. "Look Mom, the funny man from across the street is messing with the fire hydrant. Call the cops!"

It didn't work on coins at all, wrong kind of metal, so any visions you had of crawling along the beach looking for treasure is out the window. It works on ferromagnetic metals only, like iron and steel.

The app did not cut off my iPod music when I started it up, but as soon as it beeped with finding something metal the audio shut down. Appropriately, I was listening to the Alan Hovhaness Symphony for Metal Instruments, but I guess most Heavy Metal bands would work too.

The Three Stooges used to have a routine where they talked about inventing a pen that wrote under whipped cream, and this seems like a similar fetish. It does work, but so what? What do I do with it? You have to be really close to the item for the alert to go off, and if I'm that close, I don't need a metal detector. I tried it on in wall wiring, but no dice there, so I'm straining to find some utility for this thing.

The developers say this is a novelty item, but I think most of my friends would say I'm stupid, rather than entertaining. If you must satisfy your lust for searching for visible metal, I'd suggest you take a look at Metal Detector Pro [App Store], which does the same thing with a different interface but it's free.

View Tags

Source: http://www.metaldetectorapp.com/

Categories

iPhone App Store App Review

Every so often I get the idea I'm living in some kind of parallel universe where iPhone apps are created that look great but just don't do...

Add a Comment

Sign in »

17 Comments

Filter by:

Champ

Another practical use (not involving a scrapyard or workshop) could be for determining if there is a staple or paper clip in a stack of paper before sending it through a sheet-fed scanner/fax.

July 10 2009 at 12:09 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

ronman

In woodworking, finding metal, usually nails, in reclaimed lumber is a pretty big deal. Nails ruin your tools.

If this app could handle that task, it just might be an interesting thing to download

July 09 2009 at 5:58 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Josue

a person in the jewelry bussines could use this app to detect if a ring, earings or even a neckleace is made from the material it is claim to be made of, and not from really expensive plastic...

One could imagine...

July 09 2009 at 11:29 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Lon Varscsak

If it had a built in flashlight, it would totally be worth .99. :P

July 09 2009 at 9:51 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Marcello

well... IF it works it could be useful to detect tubings in a wall before drilling or nail hammering...

July 09 2009 at 2:50 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Dan

Seems to turn the iPhone into a modern day divining (aka dowsing or witching) rod. :-)

July 09 2009 at 12:46 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

AdventTech67

That was spectacular. You really had me rolling for awhile. Good laugh though. Thanks,,,

July 08 2009 at 11:01 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Florian

Dear TUAW.
I am very disappointed: You have been my favorite blog for a long time. I have written numerous emails giving you opportunities to review and even exclusively preview my app(s), which have been in development for years. You have never even had the courtesy to reply to my emails, which adhered strictly to your app-review request guidelines. Now, I see you reviewing apps such as this one, with very limited practical as well as entertainment purposes. Please, understand that I am not criticizing the developer of this app, specifically. Although this is a good idea for a $0.99 app, I have not personally purchased it and hence refrain from criticizing anyone but you, TUAW. Also, I do not ask for pity, rather than clarification. Your policy on reviewing iPhone apps seems shady.
Sincerely,
Florian

July 08 2009 at 7:31 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

1 reply to Florian's comment

FlapMapper

I actually agree with you. This has become ridiculous....

July 08 2009 at 9:27 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Hal

I wonder if it will help me find my keys. I lost them on a hike and have never found them. If it would help, it would be worth more than .99 to me.

July 08 2009 at 3:49 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

homagetogorto

Combine this with a fart app and you'd be on to something.

"Too much iron in your diet!"

July 08 2009 at 3:45 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

1 reply to homagetogorto's comment