PlayerGPS Interview with PokerSoftware.com

Recently, we took a look at our first impressions of a new program called PlayerGPS.  The site offers a free beta through the first of June and allows a user to enter in player screen names at supported online poker rooms and be alerted via SMS text message or e-mail when a player on their list has sat down and is playing. In an exclusive interview, PlayerGPS.com's site manager, Ryan, joined PokerSoftware.com for an in-depth Q&A regarding the buddy list software, its sponsored pros, and future features.

PokerSoftware.com: Can you give a brief introduction about your poker background and your role at PlayerGPS?

PlayerGPS: I have been playing poker for five years now at levels ranging from $0.25/$0.50 to $25/$50 No Limit Hold'em and Pot Limit Omaha.  I've met a lot of big online poker players and have learned from some of the best.  Most of the players on my team I've known for a while and have been my mentors in the past.  I am one of the founders of PlayerGPS and perform all of the daily operations, from marketing and testing the product to answering support e-mails.  We have a great team of dedicated, extremely hard workers; it is a definitely a group effort.

PokerSoftware.com: Where did the idea of PlayerGPS come from and how did it get put into motion?

PlayerGPS: Being in the online poker industry for quite some time, all of us were fully aware of the obvious void for this service.  Our lead developer has worked extensively with API programming and knew it was something that was entirely possible to create.  Judging from the feedback we've received, we aren't the only ones realizing there was a void for the service!

PokerSoftware.com: Before going into the recently released free public beta, our understanding is that the site went through a lot of testing and development.  Can you speak to those points?

PlayerGPS: We went through hours upon hours of testing and development during the past eight months.  PlayerGPS is an incredibly complex system that is difficult to create.  We finally nailed it and now text and e-mail alerts are sent out within 30 seconds, even with the ability to track an unlimited number of players.  Our interface works with every mobile provider in the world, so rest assured that it'll work for you.

PokerSoftware.com: Your site is being used and endorsed by some of the biggest names in online poker.  How did those relationships develop and where are they going as the site evolves?

PlayerGPS: These players have had a major role in brainstorming sessions and they're playing an important part in ensuring that the product maintains the highest standards possible. They make great ambassadors and all fully endorse PlayerGPS.

PokerSoftware.com: The oldest "Player GPS Pro" is just 25 years old.  What do the ages of the pros say about your site and online poker in general?

PlayerGPS: The product targets online players and users, where the average age is pretty low. We feel that both the players and PlayerGPS represent the new breed of poker, so it's a perfect match.

PokerSoftware.com: PlayerGPS has the ability to send e-mails or SMS text messages a user when a player on their "Alert List" sits down at a cash game table.  There have been rumors of more features being added. What can you tell us is on tap?

PlayerGPS: We're currently working on implementing alerts through AIM and MSN messaging services.  Since we launched in beta mode a few weeks back, this has been by far the most requested functionality enhancement.

PokerSoftware.com: There was a post in the TwoPlusTwo forums about a potential pricing model, which was widely criticized as being too expensive for the entry level usage of the site.  A few days later, there was a retraction written.  What can you say about the development of the pricing structure?

PlayerGPS: The pricing model is not set in stone yet.  Since PlayerGPS is a one-of-a-kind poker tool, it's difficult to compare it to others, but we listen very carefully to our users and adjust accordingly. This is a product that we want everybody to be able to use. Right now, it's 100% free to test at all levels and will continue to be free until any bugs are worked out and we have received an adequate level of feedback.  All mentions of pricing have been removed from the FAQ page and the pricing model is to be determined.

PokerSoftware.com: Right now, a wide variety of games on PokerStars and Full Tilt Poker are tracked on PlayerGPS. Are there other poker rooms you are planning to support and, if so, do you have any timetable?

PlayerGPS: Yes, we are definitely going to include many other poker sites.  After the implementation of alternate alerting mechanisms, we plan on supporting Titan Poker.

PokerSoftware.com: Some people in the poker industry say sites that do datamining, player tracking, and alerting are unethical and the practice itself can be against poker rooms’ Terms of Service.  How does PlayerGPS position itself against that specific issue?

PlayerGPS: We certainly understand players' concerns pertaining to privacy.  We're addressing the issue as most widely recognized sites do: Phase II of our website rollout includes the functionality that allows players to opt out of tracking.