Google Field Trip is the latest Google app to hit Apple’s App Store. Google has been on a role lately releasing several new apps and updates for its Google services on iOS an though I never really liked any of their past attempts, many of their current ones have actually been pretty good, both in function and design. Field Trip looks to continue that trend. Field Trip is a location discovery app that looks to change the way you discover new and interesting places.  It does this by running in the background and using Google’s vast database of information, it will alert you of any “cool, hidden, and unique” places that are near you. This can include restaurants and bars, historical sites, unique stores, and even local musical events. There are literally tons of things to discover and Google Field Trip attempts to put that all into the palm of your hands.

Just to get this out of the way, Field Trip looks nothing like any other Google app. It doesn’t have that bland, minimalistic look their other apps have and instead features textured background and UI elements as well as a bit more color than I’m used to seeing from Google. I actually like this a lot as it gives the app an old school tourist guidebook look.

In terms of how it functions, it’s supposed to notify you every time you are near a place of interest. Depending on how you have the app set, it can either notify you frequently or occasionally. For this test, I set it on frequent. Maybe it’s just where I live or the specific route I took, but driving home netted me zero notifications. Whereas I’ve spoken with other people and they’ve told me that notifications were appearing too frequently. On that respect, I’ll just say that your mileage will vary with this feature depending on where you live.

I do like the fact that when you open up the app, you can view a list of places that are nearby and you can also filter these results based on what your interests are such as architecture, historic places, food, and museums just to name a few. What’s neat too is that you can set the app to notify you too via voice and read out the title and/or the description of the locations it finds.

What I don’t like however is the fact that it’s always running in the background constantly checking your location to find relevant places. I’ve noticed that my battery takes a big hit with because of it. It’s a neat app for sure, but I don’t think I’ll be using it much if it affects my battery as much as it does.

In the end, Field Trip is a great app for location discovery, but I don’t think I would use it much over my current go-to app which is Yelp only because of the battery issue. The app is free so I would still suggest people to go download it and try it out as you may like it more than what you are currently using. It is a good looking app with lots of information from many well known, trusted sources.

App Store Link: Google Field Trip
Price: Free
Developer: Google
Compatible Devices: It is compatible with iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPhone 5, iPod touch (3rd generation), iPod touch (4th generation), iPod touch (5th generation) and iPad. Requires iOS 6.0 or later. This app is optimized for iPhone 5.

Description

Field Trip, your guide to the cool, hidden, and unique things in the world around you is now on the iPhone! Field Trip runs in the background on your phone. When you get close to something interesting, it will notify you and if you have a headset or bluetooth connected, it can even read the info to you.

Field Trip can help you learn about everything from local history to the latest and best places to shop, eat, and have fun. You select the local feeds you like and the information pops up on your phone automatically, as you walk next to those places.

The hyperlocal history experts of Arcadia and Historvius will unveil local lore in places you never expected. Trend-setting publications like Thrillist, Food Network, Zagat, and Run Riot will point out the best places to eat and drink. Experts at Sunset, Cool Hunting, WeHeart, Inhabitat, and Remodelista will guide you to the latest unique stores and products. Atlas Obscura and Daily Secret help you uncover hidden gems no matter where you are. Songkick and Flavorpill guide you to local music.

What did you discover today? Enrich yourself with a Field trip during your commute. Live like a local when you travel to new places. Eat and shop off the beaten path. Or simply discover the obscure history about your neighborhood during your next walk to the park.

Get ready to see this world with new eyes!

NOTE: This app is optimized for the iPhone, not the iPad.

Highlights:

★ Discover thousands of interesting places/experiences that fall under the following categories: Architecture, Historic Places & Events, Lifestyle, Offers & Deals, Food Drinks & Fun, Movie Locations, Outdoor Art and Obscure Places of Interest around you.

★ Choose from three different modes to set frequency of Field Trip notifications. See “Field Trip” worthy places around you on a map, by tapping on cards in map view to pull up enthralling points of interest around you.

★ Go on a Field Trip while you drive. Field Trip can detect when you’re driving and automatically “talk” about interesting places and experience around you.

★ Came across an amazing story or restaurant? Mark it as a favorite to easily come back to it at any point.

★ Capture the memory of a special place, by sharing a wondrous discovery through email and social networks such as Google+, Twitter and Facebook.

★ Wondering where the gem that you recently discovered is? Find your discovered field trip cards in the “recent’ section.

For more information about how to use Field Trip, visit our help center at http://support.google.com/fieldtrip

[via App Store]