Show HN: Cloak – Incognito mode for real life

http://usecloak.com

by cmb320 • 12 years ago

19 28 12 years ago

usecloak.com

rayhano• 12 years ago

So cool!

What has been the feedback so far? And what have you planned for a next iteration (if any)?

cmb3204• 12 years ago

Just launched!

lux• 12 years ago

Couldn't this help you connect with those people just as easily as hiding from them? Either way, cool idea.

Since Foursquare isn't so big here, additional networks would be useful to have as well.

cmb3204• 12 years ago

Yep

jenno• 12 years ago

How does it know who you'd want to avoid? How do you get their info and location?

cmb3204• 12 years ago

It scrapes Instagram and foursquare, giving you a map view of all the people. Then you can set special alerts.

kissickas• 12 years ago

Seriously, please put at least these two sentences on your website.

blueskin_3• 12 years ago

I find the page rather content-free, which makes it seem useless.

I'm used to the scrolling pages and general dearth of useful information such as specs/FAQs/technical details by now (which I still find infuriating, but it seems this is becoming depressingly common thanks to the metro-inspired dogma that giving users choice and information is bad), but this has absolutely nothing at all other than a screencap. Try including some information about how it works for those of us who don't use apple products.

From the screencap, I can assume it shows other people's location in realtime (or close to it), but there is no information about how the app works or where its data comes from (facebook etc checkins? ibeacon? bluetooth/802.11x listening? voluntary data submission from other users of the app?), pricing, usage details, or even a basic FAQ.

I kept clicking all over the place expecting some hidden link, but even examining the page source has revealed nothing.

Ironically, I opened the thread because I was interested from the title, but having people need to install an app to see what is actually does isn't a great model even if it does push your market stats up and inflate the "x people installed this app" counter.

I realise this probably comes across as mean, and I apologise for that (I'm sure my tone is influenced by it being monday, and not a great one at that), but it isn't really showing people if only a subset of those interested can see how it works. Even a comment with an overview of what it is and how it works would go a long way. I have seen metro-ish product sites done somewhat well (perhaps ironically, one of the best was apple's one for the dustbin, although that still suffered from a lack of specs), but people have to feel like they aren't looking at what might as well be a placeholder if it wasn't for the javascript and store link.

cmb3204• 12 years ago

ohwp• 12 years ago

Simple fix: at least place your iTunes description:

"Cloak scrapes Instagram and Foursquare to let you know where all your friends, "friends," and nonfriends are at all times so you never have to run into that special someone. Think of it as the antisocial network."

jat850• 12 years ago

OP's comment may have been harsh, but it's accurate, and you should take it as constructive - you may have a really cool and useful product here, but no one knows about it at first glance. Make your landing page a bit more transparent as to the app's purpose and functionality, and you'll get more positive interest. Don't be sad!

blueskin_3• 12 years ago

No judgement on the product itself; I actually find the concept interesting, but I feel that linking directly to the itunes page itself would be more effective.

harrystone• 12 years ago

Same here. Sorry guys, a site needs to have some kind of content.

malloreon• 12 years ago

The submission title immediately reminded me of the gevulot from Hannu Rajaniemi's "The Quantum Thief."

larubbio• 12 years ago

From the name I thought this was Cloak the VPN tool.

https://www.getcloak.com/

I'm surprise the app store allows two apps to be named so similarly.

SyneRyder• 12 years ago

+1, I also immediately thought of Cloak VPN, especially with the description as "Incognito Mode".

jpdlla• 12 years ago

Not to be confused with Cloak VPN https://www.getcloak.com/

madaxe_again• 12 years ago

So this is an app that lets me put my phone on a green table? Site is absolutely useless.

Sure the product is great but I have no idea what it does.

EC1• 12 years ago

Pointless app unless your circle of friends is absolutely glued to their phones. Only utilizes foursquare and instagram too.

Great UI though, I really like it.

nollidge2• 12 years ago

1) I doubt most people know what "Incognito Mode" is.

2) Why does the background & image move around with the mouse? It doesn't have anything to do with the app.

liam_ja• 12 years ago

"2) Why does the background & image move around with the mouse? It doesn't have anything to do with the app."

That's what got me. To me it implies that when someone is within proximity of the phone, it will vibrate/notify the user; other than that, I have no idea.

bite• 12 years ago

Looks cool. I can't help but think this will definitely shed some light on the risks of sharing so much personal information online, knowing all this is scraped from social media accounts - a user would surely think twice before tweeting their location in the future.

cheez• 12 years ago

While I understand the draw towards this, I can't help but think that it is emblematic of our growing inability to deal with interpersonal conflict in a constructive way.

Are there that many people in your life that you MUST avoid in order to keep yourself sane? I would wager this says a lot about you.

Everyone has that crazy ex that they would stay away from. I do. But it's really not that hard to avoid her. See her coming? Turn around and walk away. She calls you over? Say no, straight up.

Or maybe the authors posted this as a sort of social commentary.

davepeck• 12 years ago

It's always great to see a new app launch and I always want to be supportive!

But: I'm the founder of GetCloak.com, the company that makes Cloak. We've been around for several years and obviously are going to have to defend our name. No fun.

I've sent you an email about this. Thanks.

Show HN: Cloak – Incognito mode for real life

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