PrimoSpot Blog

We have released our second app in the iTunes store, iParked

Download for a limited time for free in the iTunes store:

• Fast native iPhone app with interactive map
• Simple interface
• Mark where you left your car at current location or drag around on the map
• Get directions back to your ride
• Search history saved for later use
• Add notes or take a picture with your device camera
• Much more -- see full description and screen shots

We have entered the NYC BigApps competition:

"The City of New York is improving the way it provides information and transparency to citizens. But delivering great information requires great tools."

We need your help, Please take a moment to vote for us at the following URL:
http://www.nycbigapps.com/application-gallery/primospot.

The public voting period is from Dec. 15th, 2009 - Jan. 7,2010, so what are you waiting for? Show your support now.

We'd like to send a hearty thank-you out to Nick Bilton at the NY Times Bits blog, where he has recently been crowned the new lead tech writer for the blog, and has honored us with a flattering post on his second day on the job!

You can check it out here: Finding that prime parking spot with PrimoSpot

And another thanks to tuaw.com for a second mention off the NY Times posts: Two apps to help you find a parking spot

What a day! You can also find links to both on our press page.

We have a new feature in the on-street parking section of our site! Now PrimoSpot can send a text message to your mobile phone when your parking spot is about to expire or become available. This is a helpful reminder to add coins to the meter, or just to remember when it's time to move the car before the street cleaners come in.

To get an SMS reminder, just click on any of the on-street parking markers on the map, then go to the remind tab. Enter your cellphone number, your service provider, and confirm the time you would like to be notified. The reminder time will default to 5 minutes before the spot expires or becomes available, but you can modify this to your liking.

Try it out and let us know your thoughts - we would love feedback on this as we continue to improve it!

*One thing to note: Standard text message rates will apply. Check with your wireless service provider for details regarding associated SMS charges. PrimoSpot will not add any additional charges for using this service, we provide this service as-is and cannot be responsible for any charges you may get from your cellphone provider.

The challenge of parking in the Boston metro area just got a little easier.

Now Boston has PrimoSpot, the ONLY online and iPhone application that can provide real-time guidance for on-street parking, as well as for comparing garage parking and finding bike racks!

Whether it’s searching for local parking on a daily basis, simply visiting the area, or attending a special event or attraction, we can even help you navigate the ins and outs of Boston area parking when you need it.

Here are some screen shots of PrimoSpot in action:

Find a good rate for a garage downtown:

View an on-street parking spot that is about to open up in the North End:

We have been pretty excited about the number of requests for a PrimoSpot BlackBerry application, and want everyone to know that we are creating a plan for putting one out there. Trust us - there is no snub for our BB friends intended - (we have them, too!) it's just an entirely different beast than the iPhone.

Thanks to all for the enthusiasm - we promise to keep you posted as development progresses with an official planned launch date, hopefully in the January 2010 timeframe.

We added the ability to embed our parking maps on other web sites or blogs a long time ago. Since then, we have added many more features to our parking maps.

To make embedding simpler, we have added a page that allows customization of the embedded maps. You can play around with all the different options and get a preview what the embedded map will look like. Once you are happy, copy and paste the code into your blog or web site.

Here is what is looks like (click to try it out):

One of the most requested features from our users has always been the ability to see what the On-street parking will look like later in the day or the next day. We are happy to announce that we have added this feature using our new search widget:

Inside of the widget, choose On-street as the type of information you want. Next change the text field just under the word starting to a new time in the future (it will default to now).

You can type these date and times in plain English, there is no need to choose from a calendar or pick times from a list. Some valid time searches are:

• Tonight at 8pm
• Tomorrow at 8am
• Monday 07:30
• Tue 7:45

Currently, we are saving 3-4 days information ahead. We expect to have searches for up to one week into the future available by the end of September 2009.

Find free on-street or garage parking while on the go with your Android mobile phone. Also quickly compare garage rates at your current location.

For those of you with a G1 or the new MyTouch (HTC Magic) mobile phone, you are in luck! Go to the market app and search for either parking or primospot.

See more screenshots and details.

We were featured on the CBS radio show Dishin Digital.

Paul Murnane explores a new Web site that helps New Yorkers search for parking options in the city.

Thanks Paul and the crew over at CBS radio for the great mention!