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Qype – Does It Live Up To the Hype?
Tested version: 4.0.1-xhdpi
Latest version: 4.6.2-xhdpi
Requires Android: from 1.5
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Summary
About two years ago we tested Qype for you—but as we know, in the world of Android things develop and change at the speed of light, and so we think it's high time we took another look at the very popular Qype app.
Read on and find out why we're just as impressed with it now as we were back then.
Features & Use
Qype is one of the few apps that's really stood the test of time and found a place on all of my Android devices to date. I've experienced its previous versions first hand and can honestly say: it's never been as good as in its current reincarnation, the 4.0.
It's still very much the same service it's always been, that is to say a global online community that rates local businesses and places. Restaurants, bars, boutiques, museums, gyms—you name it, Qype's got it. The rating system follows the easy-to-grasp five start rating scheme, and you can write your own reviews, obviously.
This app is wonderful when you're in a new city and want to get the insider's low-down, but it's also great for discovering new places in your own hometown, be it a hairdresser, a vintage shop or a little café that serves the perfect espresso.
There are categories and tags to help you narrow down what you're looking for; tags are added by users.
The only downside to the categories search is that it isn't possible to set a perimeter (as far as miles/km go) for which results are to be displayed.
You can also use the map option for finding new places; simply swipe across the amp and spots pop up.
And finally: the places nearby option. Here you pick a location and all the stations that have been entered into the system and happen to be in the vicinity of where you are appear on a map. This is a great tool, albeit at times a bit overwhelming, especially if you happen to be in a lively part of a big city.
The app really thrives thanks to its community. You can follow friends and other users, write your own reviews, earn medals, become a champion of a place or simply exchange information and experiences with others.
Keep in mind that, because Qype is based on user reviews, the amount and – shall we say – quality of reviews is contingent on how many people have frequented a given space. You will most likely notice quite a difference when using the app for a larger city and a more remote destination.
Bottom line:
We whole heartedly recommend Qype. It's fun and easy to use and simply a must-have for users who like discovering new places and sharing their experiences.
Over the past three years the developers have continuously made improvements to the app; for instance, they've implemented the Android Beam, which we predict will prove to be a fun way to relay favourite locations to other users with the onset of more Android 4.0 NFC devices.
Screen & Controls
We're very satisfied with Qype in both these departments. The current version (4.0) is super user friendly. I know a lot of people (colleagues as well as friends) who use Qype regularly and all are happy with the app's controls.
Graphics are great: clean, simple and, again, very user friendly.
Speed & Stability
Qype hase been running steadily on my personal smartphone for the past few months. We also tested it on the HTC Desire and HTC Sensation and it did well across the board. The only tiny improvement that could be made: search results could load a little faster.
Price/Performance Ratio
Qype can be downloaded for free from the Google Play Store and if that isn't enough—there are no ads, either. However, premium partners are likely to pop up in the search results (they're always listed first).
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