More APIs
The push towards openness continues. Local reviews site Yelp rolled out an API at the start of August, allowing other developers to build apps upon and mashup Yelp local search data.
Functions include the ability to retrieve reviews and ratings, display review info, track reviews for a certain business, display images of high-rated local businesses and look up business ratings using the business’ phone number, among other things. Examples include a map-based search for sushi restaurant reviews embedded on your site.
One of the first to mke use of this is a new app for the iPhone called iPhocal it uses the Yelp API to offer you local search on your iPhone.
The search tool works as you would expect. Type in a search term and enter a city, and you’ll receive a list of search results. Choosing one of these results will lead you to a detail page that shows the pertinent information, like address and phone number. You’ll also be able to read the comments of Yelp users that have reviewed the particular venue or location you’re looking up.
Original article at Mashable