We’re big big fans of the National Trust, and felt considerable love for their iPhone app which was launched all the way back back in March 2010.
It’s taken them nearly a year to get around to releasing an Android version, but the app has finally landed in the Android Market, offering a similar set of features.
The National Trust Android app uses the phone’s GPS to find National Trust places and spaces near users, and serves up basic information about the locations along with opening times, car parking info and directions.
Great. But too lardy
Developed by an in-house team of developers and designers, the app awaits your downloading pleasure at the Android Market, but comes with an almighty caveat.
The download weighs in at a rather hefty 6.1MB and then rapidly expands to a memory-devouring 9MB when opened.
With no option to move the app to the phone’s SD card, this is going to prove too much of a weighty beast for many users and represents a considerable fail by the app’s designers.
Witness the last two reviews on the Android Market:
**** by Nick
Excellent app, however absolutely must have the ability to move to SDCard, as at 9MBytes uses a lot of the limited root space on HTC Desire.*** by KEVIN–
Good app, but way to big to keep on my phone (9Mb after one use). Will reinstall when app to SD is avail.
We absolutely agree, and until the National Trust sort out a move to SD option, then this fine app will remain uninstalled. Sort it out NT!
SWINDON, England, Feb. 9, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — The National Trust has launched a free Android app to help users find the nearest place to visit in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
With hundreds of places to visit and many of the UK’s favourite coast and countryside locations in the Trust’s care, the app gives users the chance to find basic information about places, opening times, car parking and directions.
The National Trust Android app uses the smart phone technology of Android device to find National Trust places and spaces near you, or helps you look further afield to plan picnic spots, en-route stop-offs or other destinations on trips away from home.
Developed by an in-house team of developers and designers, the app is available now to download for free online at the Android Market.
The launch of the new Android app follows the positive feedback that the National Trust received for its iPhone app.
Emily Heaver, Head of Content & User Experience, Digital Media said: “Ever since we launched our popular iPhone app, Android fans have been clamouring for their own version. I am delighted that we have now been able to respond to this demand thanks to our in house team of developers. This new app mirrors the simplicity of the original giving you all the detail of the National Trust handbook in your pocket.
We look forward to hearing feedback from the Android community.”
The app allows users to search over 400 National Trust properties, get directions to these properties, contact the properties and see any sites that are within a 40 mile radius, helping users to find local days out. The new app is very much like a pocket handbook, offering everything the handbook does but in a handier and more accessible way for smart phone users.
About the National Trust:
The National Trust is a charity that looks after nearly 25,000 hectares (61,000 acres) of woodland in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, including 22,457 hectares (55,000 acres) in England alone. Its 250,000 hectares of land include 710 miles of coastline, countryside and upland areas that are rich in wildlife and open to public access.The National Trust offers many attractions to take part in as well as helping visitors to find local events. The Trust offers several different types of holiday including days out in Cheshire and winter gardens to visit.
More information can be found at nationaltrust.org.uk.
National Trust have now updated the app to include the move to SD!!!