Last month Visit Oslo, the organisation charged with promoting the city to a worldwide audience, joined the iGeneration. A free app for iPhone, iPad and Android allows visitors to Oslo access to a wealth of information to aid their stay. Let's take a closer look…
Welcome to iOslo
My first impression of the iPad version is positive. It's bright, colourful and appears to be pretty user-friendly. Clear navigation is displayed down the left hand side (See and do, Eat and drink, Sleep, Travel, etc)
The home page also features the current weather along with a suggestion from the day's “what's on” listings.
The app is basically the VisitOslo.com website, but in a more user-friendly and portable form. They've added some useful features, primarily the integration with Google Maps allowing you to look up attractions and events near you (of course you will need 3G or wi-fi enabled to take advantage of the location features, something not all visitors may have, even with the city's good free wifi coverage)
Paradise for lovers of lists
Another useful feature – My Lists – enhances the functionality of the comprehensive directory of attractions, hotels, restaurants etc. As on the website, some default lists are provided, for example “10 suggestions for a rainy day”. But you can create your own lists combining hotels, restaurants, sights, events, basically anything that you find on the app can be added to your own list. It should really be called “My Itinerary” as that's exactly what you can create from within the app – a really nice but simple feature.
The most useful aspect for residents is the What's On feature. Some Norwegian media sources will contain a fuller run-down depending on your interests, but it still serves as a useful heads-up for the major festivals and events.
For a casual visitor to the city (and that is who this is aimed at!) I can't really fault this app. Good job Visit Oslo!
What do you think of the app? What would you improve? Add your comments below and I'll be sure to pass them on the folks at Visit Oslo.
