HACKER Q&A
📣 jimhi

Assuming any barrier could be overcome, what API do you wish existed?


Assuming ANY barrier could be overcome, I have a few ideas.

1. API for accessing apps in a smartphone:

I wish I could pull all the new messages from every walled garden chat app and view it in one place. I wish I could set a reminder to respond or follow up in every app. I wish I could have all my late night messages held and only sent in the morning. I could even have my phone automatically dial to different friends and family on a schedule.

2. API for confirming charges on physical credit cards:

I wish I could have it check code I wrote. I could have it only charge within a daily budget, at certain stores, at specific times, maybe even for specific items. I could hand out charity cards to those in need that only allow $100 a day for cell phone plans and fast food chains for instance. The bonus to this is fraud would go way down.

3. API for where people are physically gathered in a city:

Is this bar popular right? What will the wait be for the that restaurant next door? You could plan a whole day based on this. Even better if it breaks it all down by demographics. Is there an event in the park with people around my age?


  👤 mrtomservo Accepted Answer ✓
A preferences API to answer questions like:

- Would Alice like this restaurant?

- Is this a good present for Bob's birthday?

- How do Charlie's likes and dislikes compare to mine?


👤 tuxie_
An API to know what my dog is thinking.

👤 felipelalli
An API to make me smarter.

👤 billconan
A Redfin/zillow API