U Michigan iPhone App Grows from Student Project

  • By Dian Schaffhauser
  • 08/02/10

An iPhone app conceived by two students at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, built as a computer science class project, and purchased by the school's IT organization has made its public debut in the Apple iTunes store. Formerly named iWolverine, now called "University of Michigan," the app allows users to track buses in real time through the popular Magic Bus Web application, listen to the school's fight song, check dining hall menus, and search for buildings, among other features.

Computer science and engineering students Kevin Chan and Mark Yang developed the initial app as a project for a Mobile and Web App Programming course in winter 2009. The students, who now work for mobile device maker Qualcomm in San Diego, turned to their pet peeves for some of the features. They found themselves wondering what was being served at various dining halls, so they figured out a way to include menus. The building search started out as an abbreviation directory in iWolverine.

"Everyone struggled with figuring out the abbreviations and the locations for buildings at the beginning of the new semester," Yang said.

Information and Technology Services purchased iWolverine in March 2010 as a way to jumpstart development, according to Cassandra Carson, mobile applications product manager.

Carson said the mobile team is now exploring the development of an Android version of the Michigan app. It's also developing other apps for the Michigan community, including Mfile, Mprint, and SSO, which are expected to be available later this summer. Mfile will allow users to download files from their Institutional File Service home directory to an iPhone. Users can print to a campus printer from Mprint. SSO is a Cosign Single Sign-On authentication app for developers.

"Mobile applications are resulting in a fundamental shift in how people experience computing," said Laura Patterson, associate vice president and CIO. "The low cost and fast adoption of Smart phones makes it essential to have our university services accessible on mobile devices. The Michigan iPhone app is the first step."

About the Author

Dian Schaffhauser is a former senior contributing editor for 1105 Media's education publications THE Journal, Campus Technology and Spaces4Learning.

Featured

  • open laptop in a college classroom with holographic AI icons like a brain and data charts rising from the screen

    4 Ways Universities Are Using Google AI Tools for Learning and Administration

    In a recent blog post, Google shared an array of education customer stories, showcasing ways institutions are using AI tools like Gemini and NotebookLM to transform both learning and administrative tasks.

  • abstract geometric pattern of glowing interconnected triangles, hexagons, and circles in blue, gold, and white, spread across a dark navy-to-black gradient background

    OpenAI Unveils 'Operator' AI for Performing Web Tasks

    OpenAI has launched "Operator," an AI agent designed to perform web-based tasks autonomously using its own browser. Currently available as a research preview for Pro users in the United States, the tool aims to automate everyday activities such as filling out forms, ordering groceries, and even creating memes.

  • glowing shield hovers above a digital cloud platform with abstract data streams and cloud icons in the background

    Google to Acquire Cloud Security Firm Wiz

    Google has announced it will acquire cloud security startup Wiz. If completed, the acquisition — an all-cash deal valued at $32 billion — would mark the largest in Google's history.

  • Stylized illustration showing cybersecurity elements like shields, padlocks, and secure cloud icons on a neutral, minimalist digital background

    Microsoft Announces Security Advancements

    Microsoft has announced major security advancements across its product portfolio and practices. The work is part of its Secure Future Initiative (SFI), a multiyear cybersecurity transformation the company calls the largest engineering project in company history.