GoodGuide – Review

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On July 17, 2010

App Type: Uncategorized

GoodGuide – Review

Our rating:

By: GoodGuide

Version #: 1.1

Date Released: 2008-11-05

Developer:

Price: 0.00

User Rating:
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GoodGuide is an example of a good idea with a poor execution.  The app is a bar code scanner much like a myriad of other apps such as RedLaser, but once the product is scanned it tells you how well the product meets green standards (how environmentally friendly it is, etc).  Unlike other apps which seem to concentrate on food, this concentrates on any item that has a bar code attached to it.

The scores seem somewhat arbitrary (and this is coming from someone who gives arbitrary opinions on iPhone apps) but it seems to be from a score of 0 to 10 with 10 being the highest.  The app also gives a listing of the products with the best ratings.

One of the major problems with the apps is the limited list of products.  There are only 65,000 products in the database, which may seem like a lot but is only a small sample of the myriad of products in the world.  It is possible to search the database for a particular app if you install on a device without a camera like an iPod touch.

You can also keep lists of products stored on the device, if there are any you prefer due to their "good" rating.  It’s also possible to filter products by certain criteria such as product type and their degree of enviornmental friendliness.

The other annoying aspect of the app is that it seems to automatically sign a person in using their Facebook ID.  Haven’t these people heard of privacy?

I give the app a resounding "eh".  Once again, it’s a good idea but the developers definitely need to work on this one some more.  Good ideas would include a good help menu and a definition of each score type along with a larger database of products.

Quick Take

Value:Medium.

Would I Buy Again:Even for free, I'm somewhat ambivalent.

Learning Curve:Low.

Who Is It For:Those who wish to keep a green Earth.

What I Like:Good concept.

What I Don't Like:Definitions of "green" not communicated. Needs more product in the database.

Final Statement:The GoodGuide is good, but not great.

Read the Developer's Notes:
GoodGuide makes it fast and easy to find safe, healthy, and green products instantly, in any store. For the first time ever, GoodGuide is making available the world's largest and most reliable source of information on the health, environmental and social impacts of products and companies, delivered free to your iPhone, giving you access to data on over 65,000 products - from shampoo to household cleaners.With GoodGuide you can view product ratings and see what's behind the label of your favorite brands. Quickly check products or browse the top rated products in a category while you're in the store and on the go. Create personalized shopping lists and "avoid lists," get instant product recommendations based on what's most important to you, and share your favorite products with friends and family.GoodGuide's iPhone App delivers the information you need, where and when you need it most, helping you make better decisions on everyday purchases.FEATURES- Find ratings on the health, environmental, and social performance of over 65,000 products to see what's really beneath the label.- Check products, view ratings, and find safer, healthier products while you are in a store and on the go.- Create personalized shopping lists and "avoid lists" that are accessible anytime, anywhere; allowing you to track the products you want and avoid the ones you don't.- Get instant information delivered at your fingertips and begin making purchasing decisions based on what's important to you.GoodGuide constantly updates the app with new products and ratings. In the near future, we will be adding new product information on food, toys, electronics and more, making GoodGuide the world's best resource for buying safe, healthy and green products. We are also planning some very exciting location-based information and services.
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bradt has written 504 awesome app reviews.