IFTTT update: Introducing the Data Access Project

Since we announced our partnerships with ProPublica and the city of Louisville, we’ve fielded dozens of similar inquiries from governments and citizens alike: how can we empower more people, with more access, to more public data?

We also recently enabled partners to build services that use RSS feeds to run Applets. After launching this new platform feature, we realized we now had the opportunity to showcase our commitment to data access.

There are hundreds of open feeds sharing valuable, interesting data. But finding and using that data hasn’t been so simple — until now.

The Data Access Project

Applets are an incredibly powerful way to interact with data. To empower our users and partners, we decided to seek out valuable public feeds and give them a presence on IFTTT. Today, we’re thrilled to showcase the first group of new services we’ve built, for what we’re calling the Data Access Project.

They cover a diverse swath of topics: The economy, cyber security, health and travel alerts, public transit, and more. Scroll through to see the full list — we’re spotlighting some of our favorite Applets here, but there’s 100s more to explore (and build!).

Stay up to date on economic indicators and new regulations

Follow along with the Department of Labor and the Bureau of Economic Analysis as they track the growth of the U.S. economy.

You can also get investor alerts from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, or go global with the International Monetary Fund’s Economic Outlook reports.

The Federal Communications Commission and the Environmental Protection Agency provide insights and updates on new government regulations.

Discover new research and ignite your curiosity

Turn on Applets that connect you to a world of fascinating information and new research. Dig into the Library of Congress’ rich and varied collections.

Get updated on new discoveries from the National Science Foundation, or today in Energy news from the Energy Information Association.

Check out the American Psychological Association service to find fascinating insights into the workings of the mind. 

For even more breadth and depth you can tap into USA.gov, the online portal for the entire federal government. Or follow the latest in nonpartisan reporting, across a huge range of issues, from Pew Research Center.

Feeling inspired by all of this new information? We'd like to help you get out there and discover something yourself! Use the Grants.gov service to find new funding opportunities. 

Go behind the scenes with the U.S. military and monitor cyber security threats

The Department of Defense shares regular updates and photos covering every branch of the military.

Tap into Homeland Security (legally!) via the US Computer Emergency Readiness Team and the National Vulnerability Database. It’s easy to share updates with your coworkers.

Get important travel and health alerts

You can feel good about booking those plane tickets: Applets for U.S. Department of State travel alerts, World Health Organization outbreak news, and updates from The United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime will give you an eagle-eye view on the world.

It’s easy to monitor threats that may be closer to home, too — the Centers for Disease Control and the United States Department of Agriculture will keep you in the loop on food and drug recalls.

Take charge of your health by getting the news you need about new treatment options: ClinicalTrials.gov shares updates related to diabetes, cancer, and asthma.

Optimize your commute and get to know your city or state

Global issues, groundbreaking research, and federal policies are certainly important. But how can you focus on them when you’re stuck on a delayed train or dealing with an unexpected detour? That’s why we’re bringing on as many transit agencies as we could tap into.

Explore Applets that work with Amtrak, NJ Transit, King County Metro, the Maryland State Highway Administration, San Francisco’s MTA Blog, the Toronto Transit Authority, Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART), Caltrain, and the Chicago Transit Authority.

In the spirit of Smart Louisville, we’re also looking at specific regional or city-based feeds. We believe citizens are interested in taking action, and want to make sure they have the data they need to stay informed. Check out the services we’ve built for the City of Tampa and the Texas Legislature.

This is definitely a record for the most simultaneous service launches on IFTTT —  but it’s only the beginning of the Data Access Project.

We’ll keep you updated here on new developments and new services. In fact, check back next week to learn how we’re using this initiative to bring more non-profits onto IFTTT. 

IFTTT update: Songkick is on IFTTT

There’s nothing like seeing live music. Your best friends, the perfect venue, your favorite songs — when it all comes together, it’s magical. To help you have that experience as often as you can, we’re delighted to welcome Songkick to the platform!

Songkick is the world’s largest concert database (12,000 listings are added every week!) and music ticketing platform. Their service is designed to help you quickly find the shows you’re interested in: you can run Applets based on searches, tracked artists, or venues.

You can use it to keep an eye on some of the most musical cities and popular venues in the world.

You can share once-in-a-lifetime shows with your friends and followers.

You can even start the party early at your house by connecting Songkick to your smart lights.

Don’t risk seeing those dreaded words — “Sold out” — when your favorite act passes through town: check out all of Songkick’s Applets today!

IFTTT update: Security, smart homes, lighting, & more — new on IFTTT

With over 450 services on IFTTT, you’d think adding a new one would be routine by now. But we celebrate every single one: seeing a new partner build and launch something cool never gets old. However, we know it can be hard to keep up! To help you get a handle on what’s new, here’s a look back at what launched on IFTTT in May.

Security services

It was a big month for security, from Linear PRO’s professional system to the newest smart lock on the platform, Sesame. VowKam, Minut, and iSpy Agent also joined up, and Blink launched their European service.

Smart home systems and connected lighting

Once you’re safe and secure, it’s time to trick out your smart home. Lighting services Smartika, Plum, and MagicLight have a wide range of products and Applets to help you set the mood.

Blueair added their Classic 05 range to the platform, to keep your air clean and pure.

We also welcomed Gideon and the Intelligent HOME systems to IFTTT; based in the UK and Japan, respectively.

European appliances

Speaking of international services, European users were spoiled this month: those in France can enjoy Bbox Miami, and Bosch added to the Home Connect line with services for their oven and washer. Don’t fret if you’re not on the continent, though — Home Connect’s bringing their line to the U.S., and their new coffee machine is already here.

News and media

Finally, we also added four informative services that cover a range of topics: SF Gate for our hometown crowd, BrainyQuote to help anyone looking for inspiration, and the technology focused Slashdot and IoT podcast services.

That was our month! Our partners keep us busy, and we wouldn’t have it any other way. Remember to check back in July to see what June brought to the platform — we know you’ll find something new.

IFTTT update: Calling all Makers

In November of this year, we opened our partner platform and launched Applets. Since then, we’ve grown in every way — more users, more partners, and more Applets. We’ve also seen the number of people using our developer tools and services grow to over 200,000.

We know this passionate and creative group, our Makers, are eager to use the powerful Applet building tools we launched for partners last year. So today, we’re excited to announce that the Maker tier of the IFTTT platform is open!

What does it mean to be a Maker? When you sign up for the free tier, you’ll be able to:

• Publish Applets for other users to turn on. You’ll have a public profile page where you can show off all your Applets.

• Build Applets that work with any service on IFTTT. You no longer need a BMW in order to build an Applet for one — you don’t even need a valid driver’s licence! There are over 440 services on IFTTT, and you can mix and match any of them to build your Applets.

• Build Applets with multiple actions and filter code. You can go beyond “if this, then that.” Adding another action to an Applet is as simple as an extra click. We’re also launching a filter component that enables you to input Javascript code that changes how an Applet runs.

If the thought of Javascript makes you go cross-eyed and you’re not interested in sharing your Applets, don’t worry. Nothing will change for you: You can still build Applets for your personal use that work with the services you use (check out our tutorial for a simple how-to).

However, you will start to see Applets built by Makers in the IFTTT app and on our website. These will work just like any Applet built by a partner. In fact, based on what we’ve already seen from this community, we expect even more from them — the creativity of our Makers has always been a source of inspiration. Check out some of the initial creations:

Ready to become a Maker? It’s free to sign up and explore, and there’s documentation to help you build. Maybe next time we’ll be showcasing one of your Applets. Have fun!

 

IFTTT update: Pizza party! Domino’s is on IFTTT

When it comes to ordering pizza, we can all agree: the waiting is the hardest part. Thankfully, Domino’s launched their innovative delivery tracker in 2008. It lets you watch your delicious order go from prep, to bake, all the way through to delivery.

Now we’re excited to announce that you can turn on and build Applets that work with the tracker. That’s right: pizza is on IFTTT!

You can keep things simple, and get a notification when your pizza is on its way. Or you can use smart home devices to come up with your own creative “pizza party imminent” warning system.

In addition to the “out for delivery” signal, you can also turn on or build Applets that run when your order is being prepared, is in the oven, or is ready for pickup. Domino’s has already built a few Applets to give you some ideas.

Extra cheese? No onions? Ranch dressing for dipping? Whatever your pizza preference, a Domino’s Applet is the perfect side. Check out their page and get started — and tell us when to come over.