Get Place-based Reminders Where and When They Matter

Location-based reminders function similarly to regular reminders – but rather than being reminded at a specific time, the reminder comes when you are at a specific location.

Setting a time-based prompt on reminders is great — if you’re always punctual. If you’re on your running late and on your way to work and the prompt for a reminder of something you have to do at work comes up in the car, chances are you probably already forgot about it the time you got to work. With location-based reminders, time becomes irrelevant and your physical environment is what is really of importance.

With Apple’s iOS 5, users can natively add location to their reminders, getting a prompt when they arrive or leave a particular destination. They simply have to add the location they would like to be reminded at and allow the app to use their current location. These location-based reminders ensure that you complete the tasks you need to when you’re in the right place to do so.

Non-Apple smartphone users need not worry, however, as there are a variety of useful apps that allow location-based reminders across various smartphone platforms. GeoNotes, an Android application, works similarly to the Reminders app in iOS 5 by allowing you to be reminded when you are arriving or leaving a designated destination. GeoNotes also allows you to label various locations (work, home, drugstore, etc.) by locating them on a map, using your current location if you are there, or by typing in the address. Unlike the iPhone’s reminders, this app groups your reminders by each labeled location, creating a neater and less clustered list of reminders. Additionally, GeoNotes allows users to set a distance in meters for when they would like the prompt to occur in relation to when they are arriving or leaving a specific location.

Coming at it from a different angle are companies like Airrand, which send you the reminders when you check-in at relevant locations on Foursquare.  Foursquare itself has recently taken this to a new level with a ‘Save to Foursquare’ function for publishers.  Essentially, if you’re reading an online article that references an interesting restaurant or retailer that you might what to check out sometime, you simply click the button and it adds it to your Foursquare to do list.  When you’re out and about and in proximity of one of those places it sends you a reminder.

While some may still prefer a traditional time-based reminder, these location-based reminders are great for on-the-go types who are prone to forgetting to complete a task or two.

Asif R. Khan is a veteran tech start-up, business development and marketing entrepreneur currently serving the community as founder and president of the Location Based Marketing Association (The LBMA). Weekly podcaster at This Week In Location Based Marketing every Monday. Can be found at @AsifRKhan @TheLBMA on Twitter.

Image courtesy of Flickr user Just Warr.