Breathe In The Air. Don’t be afraid to care.
That’s right, we’re on the cusp of a new release and it’s time to talk about what’s old, what’s new, and why, after so many years and with so many new options, AQeye is still a project worth pursuing (and worth your time to download, follow, or otherwise take advantage of).
You can read about the deeper history of AQeye in other posts but lately (post-2020) is something that hasn’t been covered yet. Version 2 of the app has been in the App Stores for a while now but I was never able to finish critical parts of the infrastructure in order to bring the greater vision to life.
I don’t just see this as a place to get easy access to useful air quality information though it definitely is that, even with plenty of other options in the app marketplace now overwhelming with air quality data. I see the app as a refuge, a service that helps you live your best life right now and does not make your life worse in doing so.
After all, it’s the thing that apps have to be garish and annoying, right? There’s a reason the condition called “app fatigue” exists and is a quite real thing. Serenity doesn’t sell in most cases. App creators aren’t doing their jobs if they’re not beating you over the head with an ad-mallet. Or so it seems.
I’ve always seen AQeye as different, even when it was the only one in the market republishing the kind of immediate, relevant, actionable health metrics that so many people with respiratory health concerns needed in their pockets.
The data needs to be relevant at a glance, whether you’re casual and curious or debilitated and determined. Each version of AQeye (and the OG WashoeAIR) has refined this presentation and I’ve been proud to find new and creative ways to make this even easier to understand while attempting to keep a calming, delightful aesthetic. Version 3 is no exception to this.
When conciseness is the point, that can leave lots of room on the screen, especially on modern devices. What do do there? Some option distract with more data or expand limited data to bigger sizes, risking polish in want of filler. I’ve always thought that the app should be as beautiful to look at for its own purposes as it is useful; that’s why every version keeps a refined data presence offset by imagery that draws you in. Of course, art and attractiveness are matters of opinion; whether you like the photos or not, they are carefully and purposefully selected as not to ruin the visual experience. You get enough of that in all the other apps you use regularly.
That brings us to a couple of intertwined topics: how does this service pay for itself and what about the new features of version 3?
For the past 13+ years (and perhaps into the future), the site has not paid for itself. It’s not that I don’t want to make money from it but since I refuse to turn it into a traditional advertising platform, I’ve basically been running it as a public service. I’d love to partner with some sponsors to offset costs and make the platform self-sufficient but not at the expense of the experience. The users come first, regardless of the maxim of enshittification consuming the world right now.
With that philosophy in place, I am thrilled to finally move two specific goals forward: exposure of the artists behind the background images (currently it’s just me — reach out if you want your non-GenAI imagery featured) as well as a dedicated section for Supporters and Friends. These might be paid placement, they may be identified affiliate links, they may just be businesses and people who are good and worthy and I want you to know about. If you want to be on the list, let’s talk. If you see who’s there and know someone who ought to be on the list, tell them or tell me. Very much like the background images, this is not a traditional advertising channel; think of it as curated referrals. Even if they pay me (which will be declared when applicable), they will still need to be sane, inclusive, and worthwhile partners to be included. No Nazis (or similar) Need Apply. I may be Chaotic Good but not that kind of chaos. Two of the early entries are My Cluck Hut (affiliate link if you’re into that) and Kind Cotton. Businesses with heart — check them out!
And speaking of shout outs, Larry DeVincenzi and Lara McKusky get nods as each were instrumental for AQeye/WashoeAIR in its early days and whose advice, vision, and care continue to permeate and power the mission. If you can use the services of either, I highly recommend doing so.
However you choose to use AQeye (iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Mac! (yes, new!)), Bluesky (many locations covered), web (building out bringing the Bluesky feeds to this site too), thank you for your support (new or years). It’s you this platform is created for.
Support your neighbors. Fight fascism. Stay informed. Breathe well.
-brad