Neighborhood communications technology?

Hi -

I'm a mobile phone and web developer and have been working on a proof of concept for a new neighborhood communications system that uses smartphones to create a social experience within gated or HOA communities. I stumbled across this forum while doing research and thought it would be a good place to open a discussion on this to get some feedback and thoughts on whether this type of technology would be useful, and useable. I live in a very large (1000+ homes) community here and being a developer and advocate of technology, one of the things that frustrates me is communication and the archaic methods that my neighborhood uses (ie signs at entrance ways, snail mail, TV channel etc.). We have a website, which is very old, and I doubt anyone uses it. I have many friends in the neighborhood who share their frustration in lack of communication, especially where crime is concerned and often news is just spread the old fashioned way ie word of mouth (which often results in lost in translation). I had the idea for a communications system a few years ago when texting was taking off but felt the population of adopters was still pretty low. With the recent surge in smartphone usage (iPhone, Android phones etc.) it has led me to revisit this type of technology to see if it can be used for large communities like our neighborhoods. So saying all that, I would love to get some feedback and thoughts on the following:

The system I have developed (again, just a prototype) is a platform that comprises of both web interface (for property management to publish news) and a smartphone app (free) that home owners download and use to view the news. Home owners can not only view the news, they can like/dislike news items, add comments, share and discuss (these options can be turned on/off mind you). So in other words, the HOA can post general news (ie entrance closures, maintenance etc.) as well as post news that is open to feedback. On top of that, there are 3 other important areas that are social based and NOT driven by the HOA, these are: a) Ability to view alerts/crime in the area as well as create their own alerts (ie suspicious activity alerts), an area where home owners can create groups (ie tennis club, fitness club etc.) and an area for services that are available only within the neighborhood (ie handyman, baby sitting etc.). There is also an option for security personnel to create alerts that are instantly "pushed" to the app (ie "reminder keep your car doors locked at night").

I have attached some example screenshots of the actual app so you can see how it works. Home owners simply download the app and it automatically locates their neighborhood, once chosen news from the HOA is automatically brought it. The property management/HOA have access to a web front end where they can publish news, add security personnel numbers, manage alert pushes and so forth.

Would be interested to hear your thoughts and feedback and whether you think something like this would be a useful tool.

Many thanks
Al.

Screenshot: http://loughers.smugmug.com/photos/i-D8xcgv8/0/X3/i-D8xcgv8-X3.jpg

The issue of using twitter for spreading notices was previously discussed within this forum. If I find the thread I'll post it.

I do recall that there was concerns that if the Association started texting official notices of suspicious activity (trying to be preemptive vs. just reporting something that happened) what happens when they fail to post an activity they knew about and a home was broken into - would they be liable?

I think your idea is great and considered proposing a twitter type of function for our Association. However, the logistics of what volunteer would be responsible for posting, would they be paid and how the info got to them is just a low priority for me right now.

Tim

I forgot to mention that the system will be available in private beta on the iPhone only sometime this or next week. If you'd like to test it out feel free to drop me an email at alougher @ gmail.com.

Thanks.