What’s in that direction?

Product Introduction

1. Definition: "What’s in that direction?" is a minimalist iOS compass and augmented reality navigation app (Category: Navigation). It leverages GPS, magnetometer, and gyroscope data to identify points of interest (POIs) along the user's precise line of sight.
2. Core Value Proposition: This app solves the problem of discovering nearby and distant landmarks instantly by transforming a simple compass into an interactive discovery tool. Its primary value lies in revealing interesting places in your direction, providing sunset and sunrise tracking, and functioning as a completely offline GPS compass for global exploration.

Main Features

1. Directional Landmark Discovery:
   • How it works: Utilizes the iPhone's precise sensors (GPS for location, magnetometer for heading, gyroscope for device orientation) to calculate the user's exact bearing. Cross-references this vector with a curated global database of POIs (including famous sites, unusual spots like Atlas Obscura entries, and local points).
   • Tech: Offline geospatial database querying based on real-time device orientation and location data.
2. Sunrise & Sunset Tracker:
   • How it works: Calculates solar position algorithms based on the user's current GPS coordinates, date, and time. Displays the exact compass direction (azimuth) and local time for sunrise, sunset, and golden hour. Includes current sun position on the compass interface.
   • Tech: Astronomical algorithms (e.g., similar to NOAA solar calculations) integrated with device location and orientation.
3. Offline Global Functionality:
   • How it works: The core POI database and compass functionality are embedded within the app (116.4 MB download). No active internet connection is required for basic direction finding, landmark discovery, or sun position tracking once installed.
   • Tech: Pre-loaded geospatial data storage and on-device processing.
4. Dual Display Modes (Classic + Radar View):
   • How it works: Offers two visual interfaces. "Classic" mimics a traditional compass needle with POI labels overlaid on the horizon line. "Radar View" provides a top-down perspective showing POIs within a 360-degree radius relative to the user's facing direction.
   • Tech: Real-time sensor data visualization using Core Location and Core Motion frameworks.

Problems Solved

1. Pain Point: Users often lack immediate, intuitive context about landmarks or points of interest visible in their immediate line of sight while traveling or exploring locally. Traditional maps or compasses don't identify what lies ahead.
2. Target Audience: Travelers, hikers, urban explorers, photographers (especially for golden hour/sunset), curious locals, and users seeking minimalist, fun utility apps without subscriptions or complex interfaces. Ideal for iPhone users aged 13+ (per rating).
3. Use Cases:
   • Identifying a distant mountain peak while hiking.
   • Discovering hidden local gems (e.g., Atlas Obscura sites) while walking in a city.
   • Quickly determining the best direction and time to photograph sunrise/sunset.
   • Educational exploration in your own backyard.
   • Basic offline navigation aid when cellular data is unavailable.

Unique Advantages

1. Differentiation: Unlike basic digital compass apps or map apps requiring manual searching, this app proactively identifies POIs in your exact sightline. It surpasses standard compasses by adding rich contextual discovery. It differs from AR city guides by being globally functional offline and focusing purely on directional context.
2. Key Innovation: The seamless integration of real-time device orientation sensors with a curated offline POI database to deliver instant "what is that?" answers based purely on where the user points their phone. The inclusion of comprehensive astronomical data (sun, moon, golden hour) within this minimalist directional interface is also a significant innovation in utility navigation apps.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Does the "What's in that direction?" compass app work without internet?
   Yes, the core features – including the compass, landmark discovery in your direction, and sunrise/sunset/golden hour/moon tracking – work completely offline worldwide after the initial 116.4 MB download.
2. What kind of landmarks does this direction finder app show?
   The app displays a curated mix of points of interest, including famous global landmarks, unusual locations (like those from Atlas Obscura), and local points, directly in your line of sight based on where you point your iPhone.
3. How accurate is the sunset and sunrise direction shown in the app?
   The sunset and sunrise directions are highly accurate, calculated using astronomical algorithms based on your precise GPS location. It shows the exact compass bearing (azimuth) and local time for these events, along with the current sun position.
4. What data does the "What's in that direction?" app collect for privacy?
   According to the developer (by the ways GmbH), the app may collect coarse location data, usage data, product interaction data, and diagnostic/crash data, but states this data is "Not Linked to You" and used for App Functionality and Analytics.
5. Is this directional discovery app available for Android or iPad?
   Currently, "What's in that direction?" is designed specifically for iPhone (Requires iOS 15.6+) and is listed under iPhone apps. While it may run on compatible iPads or Macs with Apple M1 chips via App Store compatibility, its core experience is optimized for the iPhone's sensors and form factor.