You might think that the world of tech blogging is a cutthroat, dog-eat-dog kind of place. Not true. Or maybe it is, but I'm just too naieve to notice? Either way, I tend to like it when other blogs and bloggers do well - we're kind of a loosely knit commnunity, us jaded mobile geek writer types, so when one of us does well we all feel well. Actually, we all beg the one who did well to buy the rest of us drinks, but it's more or less the same thing.
So it tickles me pink to spread the news of Button, the brainchild of MobileCrunch editor Greg Kumparak and Blank Software. I haven't yet downloaded and tried Blank (I've been too busy working, duh), but can't wait to give it a go. What's it do? From the press release and iTunes store description:
SEATTLE, Wa. (August 31, 2009) -- Blank Software, LLC. proudly announced today the availability of their first title, Button. Button is the world's first Passive Game for the iPhone and iPod Touch.
Button is a game unlike any other. Rather than serving as a distraction from day to day life, Button is meant to be played alongside other activities. By providing just a small burst of mental stimulation at seemingly random times, Button might actually help players focus on their primary task instead of pulling them away.
As the name implies, Button is, quite simply, a button. Occasionally, the Button lights up. If a player pushes the Button while it's lit, they're rewarded with points (called "Button Thermal Units", or BTUs). Based on the color of the lit Button, it will stay lit for a different duration and be worth a relative number of BTUs. The shorter the duration of the Button, the more it's worth.
By earning BTUs, players can climb their way up the highscores list, unlocking achievements and game-customizing items along the way. Players can band together in Groups, allowing them to pool their points to rock the scoreboards. All Buttons around the globe light simultaneously; when one lights up, all of them light up.
Whether the player is building a spreadsheet or typing their next blog post, Button helps to keep them focused by giving their brain that little tickle it needs every once in a while. Simply by playing a game, you might be able to keep your mind on your work and your eyes off the ceiling.
Button is a completely free download, available now in the App Store.
Get your Button on now, for free, via the iTunes Store.