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SyFy shows, I love you so hard. Which is why I was thrilled to see the release of an official Farnsworth iPhone (s aapl) app tied to Warehouse 13, the freak-of-the-week/detective-style show about famous objects from history which grant supernatural abilities at a terrible cost. The app offers more than just throwaway novelty value, and is actually made by the same special effects wizards that create some of the show’s prop-based magic.
QMx Interactive has some experience at making tie-in apps for media properties that go beyond simple promotion. It’s the team that brought us the Super 8 app, which was so effective as standalone software that I wasn’t even aware it was a cross-promotional effort when I checked it out back in January.
Like Super 8, Farnsworth has a strong video component. That’s because the app takes its name and concept from the Farnsworth device from Warehouse 13, which fans of the show will know is the basic video communication device used by the agents who track down the supernatural objects I mentioned above. The Farnsworth communicators have a retro, steampunk vibe, and the design of the app captures that, as does the grainy, black and white video with a fisheye effect it records.
The app costs 99 cents, which may seem steep to some for a promotional app, but it makes more sense when you realize that QMx has taken things a bit further than most. The Farnsworth app is based on QMx’s own proprietary messaging system, which it plans to roll out in other future apps. That means that you’ll be able to send cross-app video and audio messages from Farnsworth video communicator to other apps that use the same protocol.
Even without cross-app functionality, you can still use the app to send and receive video messages using Wi-Fi, 3G or EDGE network connectivity, and also post video updates directly to Facebook, as well as send them via email. As a tool for non-real-time video and audio communication, Farnsworth communicator could fill a handy niche between something like Skype (s msft) and your phone’s own voicemail.
Finally, fans are the key audience for this app, and there’s fan service content on board. It ships with two pre-recorded messages from actors in the series, the look, feel and control interface are all as faithful as you’d expect from actual sci-fi prop designers.
The Farnsworth Video Communicator might not develop a groundswell following beyond fans of the show, but QMx is showing that it isn’t interested in making the same old boring tie-ins that often aren’t even worth the time you take to download them.
Yea they seriously need the app for android.
I love the Farnsworth app!
on Android please. Not the whole world owns an iphone
Now if only they’d give us the real deal, for those of us that can’t come up with the money to get a smart phone and the service to use it!
Love it !!!
What about making an android version? Pleeeeease.
I have the Motorola Electrify with a self-made Farnsworth ringtone as my standard tone for voice and text, and this app with functional forward camera video messaging interface and *CLEAN* sample of the ringtone would be well worth the, say, 23.99 or whatever they charge for it.
Woohoo! Can’t wait to download it – and yes, I have an iPhone 4S!!!
Would really love to have one of those, they look so cool an antuique.
As though Claudia would be caught dead with an iPhone while Android is available.
I too would like a Blackberry version.
Who cares about rubbish guy phone apps! Android is the way forward.
If it was an android app i’d be happy.. But.. Noooo..
want it on my blackberry, as does everyone else in the house
My husband & I would LOVE this app, but are also Android users. We used to have iPhones & hated them. Also very into Steampunk. Please broaden your horizons. It’s like offering candy to a child, but they can only have some if they ride a red bicycle. Just sayin… :o)
Definately need for Android!
Seriously. It’s ridiculous that nearly every comment here is for android capability. You are CLEARLY catering to the wrong market.
Or some folks are reading the wrong news items…
Like the Warehouse 13 Facebook page?
Ahhhh….so now iPhone users get to determine what news the rest of the lowly population reads? Don’t you have a bridge to inhabit, troll?
Was excited, then saw it’s only for an iphone… I agree with the others need it on android!!
Brilliant! Will it also be available for Android soon?Please pleaseplease!
I agree, need for andriod
Fourthed. Android is clearly a massive market, and iPhone app developers need to stop alienating us.
Interested in seeing it. Big fan !
Yes make an Android version otherwise I’m not interested in any apps.
Agreed. Forget iPhone apps; Android is the way to go!
Waiting for the Android version…
Same here…
Now if only they’d make it available for Android.
I second the motion
I third the motion.
Ditto. Why does everything have to be about Apple? I can’t stand iPhone and know only a few who can.
That is a ridiculous thing to say given its sales figures.
Yes. Android please.
I’ll +2 that!
Indeed
Agreed
yup!