Hello Fellow ICs
I found this thread started by Flash back in May of 2008. The original thread is here [www.mysteryshopforum.com] and it contains relevant information. But it's been a while and the last message of that thread (10/2014) was about updating it, so here goes:
With the advent of Smart Devices I would like to add these (mostly free) Apps:
1) The iSecretShop app. It gets you all the assignments you need in an app vs. a web site. It is an iOS (Apple devices) and there is an Andriod version.
2) GigSpot app. Same as #1 but for the GigSpot platform. It is an iOS and there is an Andriod version.
3) TimeStamp Camera app. This one is camera app that allows you to time stamp your videos and photos. You can also add GPS coordinates to prove that you took the photo at that GPS location. It is an iOS and there is an Andriod version.
4) Speaking of GPS I think GeoVerify is another essential app. It gets you a code to the location you are at that you can use in your report to prove that you went to the right store location. I am seeing many MSPs adding this to their report. It is an iOS and there is an Andriod version. It is an iOS and there is an Andriod version.
5) Talon app. The Poor ICs Video app. If you do not want to spend that much money to buy a camera, Talon can help you save money by allowing you to take video assignments. My experience has shown me that a few MSPs look for Talon video shoppers, but it is an option out there and can be a backup to the PV-500. Also with one of these running/jogging upper arm smartphone holders, it might give you footage of the subject while walking next to you. It is an iOS and there is an Andriod version.
6) DatesBetween app. This one is for me. When will be the 45th day since the date of my report submission and acceptance? In short, when do I get paid? This app calculates the days between two dates. It can give you days, weeks and days, months and days, and years, months, and days. This app is for iOS devices, and I do not know if there is an Andriod equivalent. There is a web site [www.timeanddate.com] that also gives you that information. The app works off line, so it gets the mention.
7) Investigator app. This one app will allow you to strip metadata of off your photos. What do you say you ask?! Well, let me confuse you more. Metadata summarizes basic information about data, which can make finding and working with particular instances of data easier. Capish!!! It is data that the smart device adds to photos such as time and date the photo was taken, the geographical location where the photo was taken, the camera settings (for avid photographers that make a lot of sense), the device Operating System, and much other stuff. So for your privacy and security, this metadata might need to be cleared. on the smart devices you could turn off the location services, and possibly go off line for the taking of the photo, but trust me you will forget to do so or even to return the device back to allow such services. This app can save you all that hassle. It is an iOS and I do not know if there is an Andriod version.
8) Sudo app. This app allows you up to 9 free phone numbers and identities that you can use to give while doing assignments. If you are supposed to give your real identity information well you must, but if you still want to be anonymous and give out a working phone number that will ring differently on your smartphone, then Sudo is the way to go. Check it out and let me know how it works for you. This is an iOS and there is an Andriod version.
9) Mobee. Mobee pays (or earn rewards) to you shop and dines by giving feed back to the businesses you frequent. So, you have an assignment go with Mobee and get paid twice. It is an iOS and there is an Andriod version.
10) DropBox. You all should have an account because most MSPs require you to upload video files to them and emailing large files might not work. So Dropbox is the way to go. It is an iOS and there is an Andriod version.
Here are 10 of my apps. Will you give your feedback and let us know what apps you use to make this work go smoother. Go ahead and add to this list.
I found this thread started by Flash back in May of 2008. The original thread is here [www.mysteryshopforum.com] and it contains relevant information. But it's been a while and the last message of that thread (10/2014) was about updating it, so here goes:
With the advent of Smart Devices I would like to add these (mostly free) Apps:
1) The iSecretShop app. It gets you all the assignments you need in an app vs. a web site. It is an iOS (Apple devices) and there is an Andriod version.
2) GigSpot app. Same as #1 but for the GigSpot platform. It is an iOS and there is an Andriod version.
3) TimeStamp Camera app. This one is camera app that allows you to time stamp your videos and photos. You can also add GPS coordinates to prove that you took the photo at that GPS location. It is an iOS and there is an Andriod version.
4) Speaking of GPS I think GeoVerify is another essential app. It gets you a code to the location you are at that you can use in your report to prove that you went to the right store location. I am seeing many MSPs adding this to their report. It is an iOS and there is an Andriod version. It is an iOS and there is an Andriod version.
5) Talon app. The Poor ICs Video app. If you do not want to spend that much money to buy a camera, Talon can help you save money by allowing you to take video assignments. My experience has shown me that a few MSPs look for Talon video shoppers, but it is an option out there and can be a backup to the PV-500. Also with one of these running/jogging upper arm smartphone holders, it might give you footage of the subject while walking next to you. It is an iOS and there is an Andriod version.
6) DatesBetween app. This one is for me. When will be the 45th day since the date of my report submission and acceptance? In short, when do I get paid? This app calculates the days between two dates. It can give you days, weeks and days, months and days, and years, months, and days. This app is for iOS devices, and I do not know if there is an Andriod equivalent. There is a web site [www.timeanddate.com] that also gives you that information. The app works off line, so it gets the mention.
7) Investigator app. This one app will allow you to strip metadata of off your photos. What do you say you ask?! Well, let me confuse you more. Metadata summarizes basic information about data, which can make finding and working with particular instances of data easier. Capish!!! It is data that the smart device adds to photos such as time and date the photo was taken, the geographical location where the photo was taken, the camera settings (for avid photographers that make a lot of sense), the device Operating System, and much other stuff. So for your privacy and security, this metadata might need to be cleared. on the smart devices you could turn off the location services, and possibly go off line for the taking of the photo, but trust me you will forget to do so or even to return the device back to allow such services. This app can save you all that hassle. It is an iOS and I do not know if there is an Andriod version.
8) Sudo app. This app allows you up to 9 free phone numbers and identities that you can use to give while doing assignments. If you are supposed to give your real identity information well you must, but if you still want to be anonymous and give out a working phone number that will ring differently on your smartphone, then Sudo is the way to go. Check it out and let me know how it works for you. This is an iOS and there is an Andriod version.
9) Mobee. Mobee pays (or earn rewards) to you shop and dines by giving feed back to the businesses you frequent. So, you have an assignment go with Mobee and get paid twice. It is an iOS and there is an Andriod version.
10) DropBox. You all should have an account because most MSPs require you to upload video files to them and emailing large files might not work. So Dropbox is the way to go. It is an iOS and there is an Andriod version.
Here are 10 of my apps. Will you give your feedback and let us know what apps you use to make this work go smoother. Go ahead and add to this list.