Since 2003, I've been involved in many projects involving location, mobility and all that jazz. First, I thought Google had it right. In a way, Google Maps is the foundation which has lead to great innovation. Then, I thought Yahoo really did awesome job making an universal post-location and request-location info. I still consider the developer offering for location by Yahoo by far the best out of the giants.
Then, FourSquare happened. It was way more closer to the "right thing" than the previous attempt by Mr. Crowley. FourSquare has had a really long roadmap too, starting with something simple and ever incrementally making it more useful. I though FourSquare had it right.
Still, out of my own burning desire to solve location and mobile - I created Zeighted, an app with a narrow use case for improving what you get out of location during travels. It'd be unfair to call it a failure, but let's face it - it has a small user base that is active. It's viral coefficient is just under 1, slightly. So it is not factually getting that virality love either.
So Zeighted definitely does not own location, but I don't think that for that matter anyone else doesn't either. Highlight is interesting, FourSquare has ever improved itself adn there has been numerous of new attempts to become the defacto app for location. There just isn't any to be found. FourSquare's slowing growth rate is staggering - when you compare it to the products that actually get product/market fit - like Instagram, or even Path.
What do I think the app that will own location will be then?
Good question. It needs to be something that helps me make the best of of now and here. Not just here, nor just now. It needs to be both.
I don't know what that thing exactly will be - but I'm tempted to find out - whenever I get my freetime around for a hackday or weekend. I have a few ideas.
-Kristian
