Filed under: Humor, iPhone, iPod touch, App Review
iPhone apps and tips for snowed-in TUAW readers
As I write this, snow is falling. That was the view out of my office this morning. Yes, I know it's only October 27th. Yes, I know that winter starts on December 21st. But sometimes in Colorado we get blizzards or major snowstorms in "non-standard" months. We're supposed to get two feet of the white stuff before this storm departs Thursday night.
An IM conversation with Mike R. got me thinking about what iPhone apps could be useful when you're snowed in. Here's my list, and be sure to use the comments section below to leave your ideas.
You're going to be getting a little cabin fever after being stuck in the house a few days, so why not go insane a bit faster? There are a number of snow globe apps for iPhone in the App Store [iTunes Link], so you can shake them up and watch those little virtual snowflakes falling, all while laughing nervously and sharpening that butcher knife.
On a much more positive, happy-thoughts note, how about thinking about where you can go skiing or snowboarding when the roads are cleared and you can actually get the car out of the garage? The first thing you'll want to know are the snow depths at all of your favorite resorts. The US$1.99 Snow Reports [iTunes Link] does exactly that for over 2,000 resorts worldwide. Ski Lodge - Snow Reports [US$4.99, iTunes Link] is similar, but also provides detailed trail maps, directions to the nearest resort, and more.
When you're on the mountain and riding your board, it's always fun to use iTrailMap 3D [US$4.99, iTunes Link] to trace your runs via GPS on a map, then send the map to those obnoxious virtual coworkers who keep sending you pictures of the palm trees swaying outside their San Diego offices.
After a couple of days of snow (we're destined to get 2 feet of snow by Thursday night, and then the winds are supposed to start kicking in), you begin to wonder if you're going to survive being snowed in. Many Coloradans have "snow emergency kits" containing a few days of food, water, and enough charged iPhone batteries to play games and keep from going stir crazy for a while. If you're concerned about surviving in any conditions, The Survival Pocket Reference [iTunes Link, US$0.99] is chock-full of data on shelter, first-aid, and foraging for food. That's provided, of course, that your iPhone remains charged up and you're able to find edible plants under two feet of snow.
By the way, keeping that iPhone charged up might not be too hard with something like the Midland ER102 Emergency Radio [Amazon Link]. Not only does it keep you updated with depressing news about the snowstorm, but you can also charge your iPhone with the hand-cranked power generator and your charging cable.
Perhaps getting out and playing in the snow will make your spirits bright! Of course, there's always the thought of cold, wet clothes, as well as tracking ice and water into the house. So why not have a virtual snowball fight? There's an app for that -- Snowball Fight [$0.99, iTunes Link].
If all this talk about snow is getting you down, I offer one final app to cheer you up a bit. That Beach Channel [US$1.99, iTunes Link] provides a series of beach videos with stereo sound to let you dream about being on a warm tropical beach for a while.
Sure, it might not be snowing at your place now, but be sure to keep these apps in mind if you're in a place where the flakes will fall soon.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Jimbot said 6:23PM on 10-28-2009
I have the Traffic Master - Denver Metro app so I can see all of the traffic cams.
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toddaweaver said 6:33PM on 10-28-2009
Thanks for all the suggestions. I'm watching the snow fall from my office in Lodo hoping I can make it home safely
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JohnJohn said 6:38PM on 10-28-2009
If this snowed you in...you need a different car. If it's a reason to post up some filler...cool. :)
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Frank said 6:36PM on 10-28-2009
Global Warming. We are doomed!
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John said 6:42PM on 10-28-2009
I feel bad. I'm sitting here in my home and it's 76 outside. I was sweating earlier and cursing the heat!
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TVGenius said 11:39AM on 10-29-2009
I think at the time he posted this, they were putting down manure and grass seed outside my office. And it was 91˚.
Fizz said 6:43PM on 10-28-2009
Try living in Canada!
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mikehild said 10:21PM on 10-28-2009
Still decent here in the Vancouver area... I don't think it's even dropped below zero yet. I love living on the west coast. :) Well except for the week long rains that is...
oboewan said 6:57PM on 10-28-2009
The WikiHow app (free) smartly includes a "survival kit" - a selection of articles (cached offline for iPod touch users) on everything from "how to change a tire" to "how to administer adult CPR" to "how to stop a car with no brakes" to "how to regain control of a spooked camel" to "how to survive a nuclear attack."
Get it. Read it. It's entirely 100% serious.
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djlaube said 6:58PM on 10-28-2009
I too an being snowed on (was in Denver today but live up north near Greeley).. thanks for the info!
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jftreko said 6:57PM on 10-28-2009
Wheres the Christmas lights?
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mark said 7:12PM on 10-28-2009
Thanks for the snow globe suggestions. Never thought to look for these. Good way to liven up the desk around the holidays.
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Stars Fan said 7:59PM on 10-28-2009
Wow that sucks
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Tyler said 9:08PM on 10-28-2009
It's good to see a Colorado editor on here!
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ski.the.selkirks said 9:42PM on 10-28-2009
That article was depressing. You could be more enthusiastic for the people that actually want snow. I mean, could it get more, "it's snowing; I hate my life"? Be enthusiastic; snow rocks. If you live in Denver you of all people should know that.
Think Snow.
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Raf said 10:53PM on 10-28-2009
and its still snowing, all night
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Hank said 11:22PM on 10-28-2009
Greetings from Thornton, CO. A foot so far in the back yard and counting. Took pics and vids with the iPhone! Thanks for the article and pic!!
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YodaMac said 1:59AM on 10-29-2009
Yep, the snow downtown this morning was awesome! And since I had just purchased a brand new app the night before - I was raring to use it!
I shot and edited some lovely video of the giant flakes falling on the City & County Building, complete with titles and transitions.... wait for it... ON MY iPHONE!!!! :)
Thanks to ReelDirector! Finally! A Video editing app for iPhone 3GS!!!!!!! :)
Let it snow! Let it snow! Let is snooooowww!
Cause now I can shoot and edit it into a movie! yay!
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JAQ said 10:37AM on 10-29-2009
"Winter starts on December 21" is arbitrary nonsense anyway. Says who? Why should we consider solstice the beginning of winter?
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Mark said 9:25AM on 10-29-2009
That is unfortunate that you have to deal with that but I am glad it hasn't been like that in Buffalo yet. We usually make the news for something like that. We have the dreaded Lake Effect to deal with that is known for dumping several feet of snow in one go and of course the blizzard of '77. Check out this pic http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:30_Jan_1977_Tonawanda,_NY_%28Parker_Blvd_between_Brompton_Rd_and_Ellicott_Creek_Rd%29.jpg
I am glad though for now that we haven't had any significant snowfall yet. I those times where you barely go outside for months and it seems like it is night all day long.
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