Architecture of Radio app for iPhone and iPad


4.6 ( 1616 ratings )
Entertainment Education
Developer: Richard Vijgen
2.99 USD
Current version: 0.11, last update: 1 year ago
First release : 17 Nov 2015
App size: 18.42 Mb

The infosphere, Visualized.

Every time we use our phones, tablets or laptops we are entering an invisible world of wireless digital signals. It is a world that we cannot see but that is literally all around us.
The Architecture of Radio is a 360 degree data visualization of what this world might look like. It shows the cell towers, GPS satellites and Wi-Fi routers around you that allow us to live our digital lives.

New: support for Iphone X, XR, XS and XS Max Screens
New: Cardboard support!
Immerse yourself in the Infosphere in Virtual Reality using a cardboard or compatible headset*

*Carboard support only for iPhone. iPhone 6s or newer recommended for best performance.

Why should I use this app?

Out of curiosity! We are increasingly dependent on a global ecosystem of digital signals. We use them for so many things, yet we cannot see them. We can see the roads we use to travel, the buildings we live in, but not the infrastructure that is changing the world. How can we understand this world without understanding how it works?
The purpose of this app is to make the invisible visible so we can look at it, think about it and discuss it.

Why Should I not use this app?

This app is not a measurement tool. It’s purpose is to inspire, to see the world through a different lens. The app is based on real world data and gives you a pretty good idea of the density of digital signals around you, but it won’t tell you where to move the couch to get a better WIFI signal.

So how does it work?

The Architecture of Radio is a data visualization, based on global open datasets of cell tower, Wi-Fi and satellite locations. Based on your GPS location the app shows a 360 degree visualization of signals around you. The dataset includes almost 7 million cell towers, 19 million Wi-Fi routers and hundreds of satellites.

Is this really what radio signals look like?

We can’t see radio with our eyes. The waves that we use for our cell phones and Wi-Fi are way outside the spectrum of visible light. In order to “see” radio, it has to be interpreted or translated into an image that we can see. There are many ways to do that but it will always be an interpretation.

The Architecture of Radio is an impression of the infosphere, a way of seeing it.

Pros and cons of Architecture of Radio app for iPhone and iPad

Architecture of Radio app good for

Its an interesting app. It would be nice to be able to change the distance you see, i can see an unknown carrier 5000 meters away. But i cant find my wifi router even if Im 10 meters away.
Works great on the iPhone 5s. Really interesting app that also looks amazing. I love that it actually gives you information about the satellites and cell towers - that blew my mind. Love this app.
I was blown-away by the visuals and at the realization that this is our constant environment. That said, I had hoped it would actually scan my environment and put that information in real-time, so that I could actually see my phone. Maybe in the future? Thank you!
This App is 100% The Best iOS App I Ever Saw When I Purchased it And Open Just Saw The World Full of Radio Signals and Satellites Nice Work And Nice App

Some bad moments

Cant see my own wifi router. Is this background noise an interpretation on the waves emitted by the satellites and mobile towers? What about the images? Not worth the money...
I live by the ocean and Iam assuming this system just found cell towers under the water. Does anybody knows what is going on?
After approx. 30mins. all I get is a static splash screen (with sound) with a loading... statement, note this was on my iPad.
App has never worked on my iPad Air II. All it does is show a splash screen with the app name and "loading". App stays there and never works. Uninstalled and re-downloaded and still the same result. So far waste of money. Disappointed.
Kinda wish I hadnt have bought this one. Theres no options to change the range so I can see a bunch of cell towers and satellites but I cant see the wifi the phone is connected to which is why I bought it. Its purely a gimmick app, interesting for as long as you want it to be.
Sometimes it starts, sometimes it doesn’t… And it doesn’t se my own Wifi router 10 feet away. Can I have my money back?