Sure, there are apps to help you carefully craft your latest masterpiece, but here’s an app that helps you truly enjoy the efforts of others.
Of course I’m speaking of RunPee Mobile, the app that tells you when it’s safe to go to the bathroom while at your local cineplex. No, I’m not kidding, and yes, it’s awesome. Best of all, it’s free (but I would have paid for this one).
Simply launch the app before the lights go down, pick the movie your about to watch from a list of current releases, and start the built-in timer when the film begins. Then, based on your settings, RunPee Mobile will notify you when you should head to the restroom. Naturally, these alerts come during the less important moments in the film.
RunPee let’s you know how long you have to do your business and get back to your seat. It even displays a synopsis of the scene you’re missing, so you can read-up while you’re zipping-down. For some, this should be reason enough to get an iPhone (I’m looking at you, Jenna, with a bladder the size of a Chicklet).
Version 2 adds access to an archive of past films, a few bug fixes, and some interface changes. But the biggest improvement is the built-in timer, which now continues even when the app is closed. That’s good news for those of us who like to check their email and Twitter feeds while running through the theater lobby towards the bathroom door.
And in conclusion, I’d like to point out the incredible restraint I’ve shown while writing this post — not one infantile bathroom pun. That was not easy. Â You’re welcome.
2 Responses
Silly thoughtless app. You’re supposed to turn your phone off before the feature begins.
Hi JLong!
It takes a little prep, but it’s actually pretty swell! I use it all the time (since I have the bladder of a 10 year old girl).
I’ll start by dimming the iPhone screen and muting the sound (to avoid annoying my fellow moviegoers). Then, I’ll switch into airplane mode (to avoid false vibrating alarms). And finally, I’ll launch the app when the movie starts, and tuck the iPhone it in my pocket. The app alerts me about upcoming bathroom breaks with a silent vibration. My phone doesn’t come out of my pocket until after I’ve left the theater, and I’m running towards the boy’s room.
I don’t use it all the time… but if I just drank a tub of water before the movie, it’s a life saver. Then again, if the movie is engrossing, I’ll usually forget about natures call.
-Taz