mrsamaki

Your GPS data stays locally. I might, in the future, implement a "past route" feature, so you can see how you performed, but that's in a future version.

Thanks for the suggestion, I'll try to make it more clear how I'm using the data.

It's really just based upon the new studies showing that "hands-free talking" isn't any less distracting. In short, it doesn't make driving safer.

It doesn't need the internet to work. Once you log in, we keep you logged in (unless you reboot your iPhone). So even if you reach a dead zone, you're fine. Just make sure you have internet when you try to save your points :-)

--You get a huge "point bonus" for using a car charger, which is a real cheap way to ensure that you're in a car, versus just standing in a bus. Also prevents us from murdering your iPhone battery.

--Given the way most busses operate (rough start/stops, crazy fast speeds, rush rush rush), you'd probably throw off the algorithm, which would flag you as "unsafe driving", and give you a shitty amount of points.

--At least for our test group, we couldn't find that many people willing to put down their iPhone when they didn't have to...Especially sitting on a bus for 3+ hours. Lots of folks said that they would do that, but boredom always got the best of them.

App developer here. My app, Samaki Rewards, gamifies safe-driving. You get points for driving safe. You can then use these points to get discounts and/or Visa Gift Cards.

I partnered with GiftCards.com, who has offered to give out gift cards to safe drivers. I'm also working with TireBuyer.com, JewelMint, and HowAboutWe to give discounts on their sites as well. All deals will be available on Friday.

This is my first iPhone app. I learned Objective C just to complete this project. There are a few more features that I would like to have included, but I promised GiftCards.com and TechStars NYC that I would have it up by week's end. And we all know how long it takes to get an app approved.

I'd love to hear feedback, advice and comments. Drive with the app around town, and see how it goes. http://www.Samaki.com

Not bad. Not bad at all.