Fishers Island iPhone App now available!

iPhone and iPad users can now get an app that shows:

• Latest FI news from this site
• Day-by-day ferry times
• Local tide times
• The Community Board's calendar of events

We also include day-by-day hours of operation and phone numbers for the Village Market, News Cafe, Topper's, the Pequot, the Community Center, the Transfer Station, the Compost Station, the Library, the Museum and the Post Office.

Check out the screen shots:

FAQ

Do I need an iPhone or an iPad for this?
Yes - no Blackberry or Android support yet, alas.

How do I get it?
Click here (iTunes required), or search the App Store for "Fishers Island" and buy as you would any other app. It costs $1.99. (A portion of the proceeds help cover Community Board costs in running the website and sending out the the Fog Horn.)

How do I work it?
Open it like a regular app. It shows a splash screen for a few seconds, and then retrieves the latest news from the website. Touch the buttons at the bottom to switch to ferry times, tide times, etc. At each page, the app will retrieve today's information. Today's hours are listed at the top, followed by tomorrow etc.

Is that all it does?
Yes, for the moment. We aren't trying to supplement Facebook, or share private club information, or replicate the Weather app.

Can the app be enhanced with X or Y?
There are some easy things to add, like data streams from Twitter, Flickr, Youtube, and in some cases Facebook. Other things are possible, but limited somewhat by the app framework we used. We'll enhance the app based on your collective interest level!

Running it for the first time, the app asks me if I would let it send me notifications. What's that about?
The app framework comes with a "push" notification system like Facebook's. With it, we could send a short message to everyone who has the app. We currently don't have any plans to use it. Maybe someday we'll use it for late-breaking movie theater announcements, ferry cancellations, Dog Bowl specials at Topper's, or tsunami warnings.

From where are the tide times sourced?
NOAA. They are for Silver Eel Pond, so adjust accordingly for the Race, FIYC, Big Club etc.

Can I run advertising within the app?
Maybe, if it's FI-related and can be appropriately presented. Contact us at andrew@benkard.com. 

Who built the app?
Andrew Benkard. He maintains the Fishers Island website on a pro bono basis, and develops apps and websites and online marketing strategy for his clients.

Can I get it for free?
Sure, I'll send you an iTunes promo code if you'll post an online review.

I have an idea or a question or a complaint.
Consider posting it below, as a comment. Or contact us at andrew@benkard.com.