Reviewed by Valerie Lauer on Aug 19, 2011
Patch Places is a new Android app from AOL’s local news aggregator Patch. I got kind of excited when I heard there was a Patch Places Android app, since Patch’s localized news websites create hyper-local content that appeals to each community on a personal level.
Did the Patch Places Android app live up to my expectations? You’ll have to read my entire Android App Review to find out.
Features
It turns out the Patch Places Android app has very little to do with Patch’s online presence. For example, today the East Atlanta Patch website has a couple of really awesome news stories, local interest highlights, an area event calendar and even local video content. Now that’s taking news to a whole new level of local.
Patch Places
None of that information is located in the Patch Places Android app. Instead Patch Places is an extremely limited local business directory. The app provides users with a convenient search feature that helps them find vendors quickly. There are also options to map locations, view business info and even call them directly from the app.
There are still a few interesting features, such as the fact that most items in the app have multiple photos of businesses. Users can even leave reviews of Patch Places they have been, though I didn’t see many in the East Atlanta area yet. Users can also upload their own photos of places, share biz info from the app and save favorites.
Patch Places may not be what I was expecting, but if you are looking for an interactive local business guide you might enjoy it.
User Interface
Patch Places
The developers at Patch did put a little extra effort into the user interface of their directory app. Once you enter a location, or allow your GPS to locate you, navigating Patch Places Android app is a breeze.
I am particularly fond of the UI in the browse section. Browsing alphabetically is easy with a scrolling letters list. Or, use the convenient category tab to narrow down your results by type.
Listing details are clear and easy to navigate, with dedicated buttons for dialing a local and looking it up on a map. Users can rate Patch Places with a simple tap and access neighbor reviews or owner statements in an easy tabbed design.
I may not be in love with the limited functionality of the Patch Places app, but I am a big fan of the layout and design.
Value
Limited content restricts the value I place on the Patch Places Android app. There’s also the glaringly obvious fact that Patch has a limited amount of markets in 22 states. This app is worthless unless you live in a current Patch market. If the app included some of the content or calendars from corresponding Patch websites then I’d be more inclined to endorse it.
Patch Places comes across like a dry attempt at gleaning some ad revenue instead of a dependable local resource. Try again Patch.
Android Apps Review Details: Patch Places Android app is free. This app requires Android 2.1 and up. You may download Patch Places from the Android Market.
Patch Places is a new Android app from AOL’s local news aggregator Patch. I got kind of excited when I heard there was a Patch Places Android app, since Patch’s localized news websites create hyper-local content that appeals to each community on a personal level.
Did the Patch Places Android app live up to my expectations? You’ll have to read my entire Android App Review to find out.
Features
It turns out the Patch Places Android app has very little to do with Patch’s online presence. For example, today the East Atlanta Patch website has a couple of really awesome news stories, local interest highlights, an area event calendar and even local video content. Now that’s taking news to a whole new level of local.
None of that information is located in the Patch Places Android app. Instead Patch Places is an extremely limited local business directory. The app provides users with a convenient search feature that helps them find vendors quickly. There are also options to map locations, view business info and even call them directly from the app.
There are still a few interesting features, such as the fact that most items in the app have multiple photos of businesses. Users can even leave reviews of Patch Places they have been, though I didn’t see many in the East Atlanta area yet. Users can also upload their own photos of places, share biz info from the app and save favorites.
Patch Places may not be what I was expecting, but if you are looking for an interactive local business guide you might enjoy it.
User Interface
The developers at Patch did put a little extra effort into the user interface of their directory app. Once you enter a location, or allow your GPS to locate you, navigating Patch Places Android app is a breeze.
I am particularly fond of the UI in the browse section. Browsing alphabetically is easy with a scrolling letters list. Or, use the convenient category tab to narrow down your results by type.
Listing details are clear and easy to navigate, with dedicated buttons for dialing a local and looking it up on a map. Users can rate Patch Places with a simple tap and access neighbor reviews or owner statements in an easy tabbed design.
I may not be in love with the limited functionality of the Patch Places app, but I am a big fan of the layout and design.
Value
Limited content restricts the value I place on the Patch Places Android app. There’s also the glaringly obvious fact that Patch has a limited amount of markets in 22 states. This app is worthless unless you live in a current Patch market. If the app included some of the content or calendars from corresponding Patch websites then I’d be more inclined to endorse it.
Patch Places comes across like a dry attempt at gleaning some ad revenue instead of a dependable local resource. Try again Patch.
Android Apps Review Details: Patch Places Android app is free. This app requires Android 2.1 and up. You may download Patch Places from the Android Market.
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