We're excited to finally share a big update for ExploreHere Markers—Version 3.0. It’s been a while since our last major revamp a few years back and with a complete app rewrite, there’s a lot of new stuff to show!
Why the Delay?
ExploreHere has been update-less for a few years now. Here’s the story:
- Lack of Clear Direction: After rolling out ExploreHere Version 2, I faced the classic dilemma of too many ideas and not enough focus. I mulled over concepts like; ranking markers by significance, creating audio markers for driving, or even developing an Oregon Trail-style game using our markers, yet, these concepts remained just that—ideas on a shelf.
- Technological Shift: With Apple’s transition from Intel to M-line chips, the technology on which ExploreHere was built became obsolete. The architecture shift left me unable to build and upload the app to the App Store, rendering the old, complex codebase unmanageable.
- Career and Priority Shifts: I transitioned from running my own consulting practice to joining another, which shuffled my priorities. But an exciting turn of events during this period was meeting Jase and co-creating a new app, ExploreHere | Audio Guide.
Revitalization at the Right Time
- A New Beginning with Jase: Jase and I met two years ago as consultants. Our relationship grew and we built ExploreHere | Audio Guide together! As we got to marketing and building a funnel for Audio Guide, Jase and I noticed that despite our best marketing efforts, users gravitated more towards Markers than Audio Guide. It was clear that ExploreHere Markers needed a revival.
- User Demand: Users organically funneled into Markers, underscoring the app’s potential and why we prioritized its overhaul.
What's Changed
The revamp of ExploreHere Markers forced us to think through the highest value features and double down on those experiences.
- Code Simplification: We rebuilt the app from the ground up, stripping it down to its essentials for straightforward functionality.
- Removed Features: While some features like TTS engine-based marker playback, new marker submissions, advanced map filters, daily random markers, and the Catalog were cut, these changes are aimed at refining user experience. We’re exploring better alternatives to offer similar value.
- Enhanced Features
- Offline Mode: A fast, reliable and convenient offline-mode is a huge improvement over the previous versions.
- Map Integration: We shifted from Apple Maps over to Mapbox and made the map the first page of the app. Enhanced with details about national parks, native lands, and more, the map is now both beautiful and informative.
- Driving Mode: A new simplified interface make driving mode distraction-free while keeping you informed.
- Background Notifications: Enjoy uninterrupted notifications about nearby markers without needing to activate specific modes.
- Simplified Login: We’ve streamlined the login process with Apple IDs and an email-based OTP system.
Moving Forward
Jase and I are dedicated to enhancing your adventure experiences through ExploreHere. This revamped app serves as a foundation for future expansions. One immediate goal is to merge ExploreHere | Audio Guide with Markers together, enabling users to listen to compelling stories as they explore historical markers.
We’re excited to hear your thoughts and feedback as we continue to evolve the app. Schedule a call with us to share your experiences and suggestions.
Thank you for your continued enthusiasm and support. Here’s to exploring new horizons together!
