New build 2/16: changed geocoder

So we have a new build for 2/16 available at the beta test page. We have overhauled the geocoder that we are using (the module that translates addresses into longitude/latitude coordinates). The Google geocoder was just too finicky and could not process addresses that had additinoal details like the name of the shopping mall, or alternate spelling of city names (Whitemarsh, MD vs. White Marsh, MD).

Sooo… we are now using the Yahoo! geocoder. This geocoder is much more forgiving in the allowable address formats. Also, this geocoder gives us better notices when it cannot place the location accurately. Now you will see an additional warning message on the location list page when the geocoder cannot place the location correctly on the map. We are seeing addresses in Puerto Rico just don’t geocode very well, as well as some addresses like the redbox machine on “milemarker 23.7 on the Kanasa turnpike”, no geocode service will be able to process that address, and what we have seen is that redbox also uses the same approximations that we use on their website when they cannot geocode an address either. At least with us you will get a warning when an approximation is being used :-) .

Also, we have added the promo code detail pages, so now you can view the history for promo codes.

In other news, we have finally got all of our contracts approved for our iTunes connect account, and are planning on submitting our app to Apple this weekend, which means that if everything goes smoothly, we could have this app live in itunes by the beginning of March. As you see in the package, we are now breaking the app out into a lite version and a full version. The lite version will be available for free in iTunes, and has all the functionality except the capability to rent a DVD. The full version will have the ability to rent a DVD and will not have ads. 

Also we have stopped doing version specific builds, and are now reverting to the lowest common denominator of OS 2.1 binaries, as there seems to be no difference functionally between the various binaries.

Take care!

-Hassan

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