Mobile UW for Android is here

Thousands of iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad users have downloaded Mobile UW, the university’s official mobile app.

Android users now have their chance — Mobile UW for Android launched last week.

The app, which contains eight vital tools designed to put information and resources at the fingertips of busy students, faculty and staff, is available for free download at mobile.wisc.edu.

Brad Leege, lead developer of the app for the Academic Technology Group in the Division of Information Technology (DoIT), is challenging Android users to match the 12,000-plus downloads that the iOS app achieved during its first six months.

“Android is a huge platform, and we’re excited to have mobile news and information ready for Badgers across the world,” he says. “I’m personally curious to see which platform gains the most downloads.’”

Already, the Android app has been downloaded in more than 30 states, and across Europe and Asia.

The app covers the basics of campus life for users on the go. Stay up to date on news, events and sports, and find your way around campus on foot, by car or by Madison Metro bus. A directory function provides quick information about faculty and staff. Video content about research, teaching and student life is also available.

The app is a new way to serve a fast-growing segment of the campus population. As of summer 2011, more than half of all students reported using a “handheld web device,” such as a smart phone, iPhone, iPad, Blackberry, iPad or other device.

The app was developed by staff at DoIT and University Communications. Visit mobile.wisc.edu for complete details about Mobile UW along with information for developers.

The development team welcomes feedback and ideas for future mobile apps and campus websites via e-mail at mobileuwfeedback@lists.wisc.edu.