The iPhone app Where R U? (99 cents) is another in a long line of programs that is capitalizing on the iPhone’s built-in GPS and eschewing proper spelling. However, even with its missing letters, Where R U? could prove useful in your life if you need to keep tabs on someone’s whereabouts or often get lost yourself.
Where R U? utilizes a simple interface in which users can choose a contact to ping, view history to know when you last asked, or send their own location via email to anyone.
The first step is registration. Some users have reported problems inputting phone numbers (must be in 1-888-888-8888 format and must be categorized as a mobile number), but registering my phone was quick and easy. Where R U? does register users via text message—a verification code is immediately sent —so iPod Touch users are out of luck with this iPhone app.
Once you’re up and running, select a contact to ping. If the user hasn’t registered their phone number you’ll have an option to invite them to download the iPhone app through an in-app email. If they are a Where R U? user, they will receive a push notification that you’re asking their location. They can then choose to answer, or let you know if they aren’t telling.
Where R U? sends push notices quickly and its no-frills UI works to its advantage. My only gripe is that Where R U? isn’t extremely accurate when displaying locations—one test was more than 5,000 feet off the mark. This is fine if you’re trying to find perhaps the nearest intersection, but for actual locations, it leaves something to be desired.
