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Posted (edited)

Can a cache owner expect finders to use a third party app in order to find a cache 

i.e the co-ords are not given on the cache page (it is a mystery cache) but the description says
"You will need the XXXX App in order to find all the caches in the series" with the expectation that the cacher will download said app and use that to locate the caches

 

From the help pages I saw this 
Computer software
Cache pages cannot require cachers to buy, download, or install a program on their computer. If your cache requires a specific program, it will not be published. Use online-only resources instead.
and 
Mobile apps
Allowed
Apps and functionality widely available across platforms
Example: Any QR code scanner app on iOS and Android
Apps available in official app stores
Not allowed
Specific mobile apps
Example: Only QR code scanner "QR123"
Apps and functionality limited to one platform

 

which may answer the question - but just looking for clarification 
An example App I am referring to is the What3Words APP

 

Thanks 

Edited by Deepdiggingmole
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Were there any relevant changes in the guidelines since you asked essentially the same question half a year ago?

I guess that requiring the download of a specific app (as opposed to e.g. a generic QR reader) is still a no-go.

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Posted (edited)
1 hour ago, baer2006 said:

Were there any relevant changes in the guidelines since you asked essentially the same question half a year ago?

Slight difference in circumstances - my original question related to the solving of the puzzles online and downloading an app/game which you had to play in order to do so.
In this instance it is about using an app out in the field to locate the cache so essentially not using any geocaching apps but a third party app 
I am aware that with What3Words this can all be solved using the geocaching toolbox so can be done online at home - but the caches in question specify the downloading of the W3W app and it would seem the expectation is then to use that app to get to GZ
I know most wont bother doing it as they may be aware of the toolbox tool, but the requirement on the page would seem against the guidelines - however as it got published I was wanting to clarify that 

Edited by Deepdiggingmole
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"What3Words" is on the "permitted" list for third party websites that can be linked to in cache descriptions.  So is Geocaching Toolbox.  There are plenty of ways to solve a What3Words puzzle cache, including an app version of that website.  I'm not aware of a use case where the app is necessary to finding such a cache, but there could be one, as I've never used that app, just the website.  Without seeing the exact language on the cache page, and without knowing the exact use case, I don't have much to get worked up about here as a Reviewer.

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