Restaurant guide publisher Zagat has released its ZAGAT TO GO for iPad.
Developed with Handmark, a mobile application provider, ZAGAT TO GO offers access to Zagat's succinct restaurant ratings and reviews that help diners make quick, informed decisions based on the opinions of thousands of diners. The universal app costs $9.99 for new users, while existing ZAGAT TO GO for iPhone and iPod touch customers will receive free upgrades.
"It is fitting for Zagat to be among the first apps launched on the iPad. Just as Zagat changed the way people thought of restaurant criticism over 31 years ago, the iPad is changing the way people interface with media," Nina Zagat, co-chair of Zagat Survey, said in a news release. "Zagat is still on your coffee table - just in a way you've never imagined."
ZAGAT TO GO for iPad provides real-time search results based on user-selected criteria such as neighborhoods, cuisines, and special features. Users also can add restaurants to their favorites list, make online reservations, or save business details to their contacts. Up to eight results can be e-mailed via the classic book view.
While Zagat is one of the first restaurant-industry related businesses to launch an iPad app, well-known coffee chain Starbucks has been testing a similar application.
According to an article in the Examiner, the company is beta testing its Starbucks Card Mobile, which enables to customers to locate a store by address, zip code or vincinity.
The app is intended to work with the new iPhone and is reportedly compatible with the iPad.
