NZ iPhone snow reports a World first

Media Release 27 August 2008

NZ iPhone snow reports a World first

A Christchurch based website company has created a global first - a snow report system for the Apple iPhone.

Cabbage Tree Creative this week unveiled a unique Kiwi application for getting the latest New Zealand snow conditions. Installed on an iPhone or iPod Touch, users can instantly check weather, road and lift conditions at all the major New Zealand ski areas.

The much anticipated 3G iPhone was released last month. As well as faster data retrieval, it allows developers to write applications specifically for the iPhone. The iPhone is described by NZ Herald technology blogger Peter Griffin as "the best mobile internet device to appear to date".

Cabbage Tree Creative owner Lawrence Smith says linking snowreports.co.nz with the iPhone, "which is essentially a global mobile phenomenon," was a coup for the company.

"We wanted to create a service that, whether you are on the road or still lying in bed, you could instantly check the conditions at your favourite NZ ski areas. And what better tool to convey it than the iPhone, which has a touch screen interface second to none."

"Every time an iPhone user checks the snow report the data is updated using the phone's Internet connection. And if they need more information, a full report including webcams, can be launched from the phone."

"Mobiles are offering new features all the time and with Internet connectivity they are performing functions we'd expect from our computer. This will only become more common as the phones become more powerful and cheaper."

"Working in tourism, we recognise that while websites are critical to business right now, mobile will play an important role in the near future. To stay one step ahead, we are developing mobile versions of our websites for clients, as well as applications for phones such as the Apple iPhone."

The New Zealand snow reports application can be downloaded for free from Apples App store, available via iTunes or from an iPhone. Cabbage Tree is a registered Apple developer.

ENDS

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