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Weekly Update 🎉: Foundations in Place

Weekly Update 🎉: Foundations in Place


TL;DR

  • New Integrations: TikTok, Google Maps, and YouTube links now supported
  • Google Places API: Boosts accuracy for restaurant info and ratings
  • My Matchbox Upgrades: Alphabetized list + Quick Search added
  • Improved UX: Search now opens in a pop-up; phone number shortcut added
  • Profile Personalization: You can now upload a profile photo
  • Sign-Up Flow Updated: No more auto-loaded pizza spots—first submission encouraged
  • Coming Soon: Exploring bulk uploads and refining Spark AI search

Hello Beta Testers!

First, I want to extend a huge thank-you to everyone who has already signed up for Matchbox! I know you all have busy lives, and I truly appreciate the time and effort you're putting into helping me improve this project.

It’s been incredible to see your submissions coming in. Your feedback has been invaluable in uncovering bugs and providing insights into how you’re using the app. Every submission is helping me refine Matchbox into something better.

To keep you all informed, I’ll be sending out weekly updates on the product. These emails will include new features, fixes, and upcoming priorities. As always, I welcome your thoughts, whether it's ideas for improvements, feature requests, or feedback on things that could work better.

Product Updates (12/2 - 12/9)

  • Google Places API Integration: Google Places API has been integrated to improve the accuracy of restaurant information, enhancing ratings quality and link fidelity for deliveries or restaurant profiles.
  • TikTok Links: Links can now be sent directly from the TikTok app, just like Instagram links.
  • Google Maps Links: Links can now be sent directly from the Google Maps app, just like Instagram links.
  • YouTube Links: Links can now be sent from the YouTube app. However, due to platform limitations (like sparse tagging on restaurant-related content), this feature may have limited effectiveness.
  • Profile Photos: Profile photos can now be added directly on the profile page for personalization.
  • My Matchbox List Enhancements: The Matchbox page now organizes all matches alphabetically and includes a Quick Search function for easier navigation.
  • Search Pop-Up: The Search button has been updated to open as a pop-up on the current screen for faster access.
  • Phone Number Shortcut: A clickable phone number button has been added to the "Add" page to simplify saving the Matchbox number to contacts.
  • Sign-Up Flow Update: Based on user feedback, the auto-populated pizza restaurants during sign-up have been removed. Instead, new users are now prompted to send in their first piece of content.

Focus Areas for This Week

  • Bulk Upload Feature: I’ve heard your requests for a way to transfer existing restaurant lists from apps like Notes, Google Maps, or other in-app save features. This week, I’ll be exploring solutions to make bulk uploads possible for at least some of these scenarios.
  • Spark AI Search: While still in its early stages, the Spark AI recommendation engine works best with larger Matchbox lists (100+ entries). I’m actively working to improve its reliability and usefulness, though it’s currently inconsistent. Feel free to test it out, but know it’s a work in progress!

Looking Ahead

It’s exciting to see more of you signing up and submitting content. Based on your engagement so far, I’m on track to launch Phase 2 of the beta test later this month! In Phase 2, you’ll be able to invite 1–2 “power user” friends to try Matchbox. I’ll share more details as we approach the final week of December. In the meantime, start thinking about people in your network who would actively engage with the product.

Thank you again for being part of this journey. I truly value all the support and feedback this group has been giving. Have a great week!

Thanks!
Pat

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Pat