Free SXSW-Centered Apps Designed To Enhance Austin Festival Experience

AUSTIN, TX — The Austin Police Department on Thursday urged those planning to attend SXSW to download for free the Austin PD and SXSW Go smartphone apps to stay on top of developments in real time during the massive conference kicking off on Saturday.

The APD app can be utilized to stay informed and engaged by securing access to important APD services, including station locations, crime prevention information, news updates and the ability to file certain police reports directly from the app.

Additionally, the app allows users to send tips to police, with the option of remaining anonymous. Tipsters reporting issues can sue their GPS location, text photos and engage in a secure two-way chat with officers, police said. The app also is used to send out important messages and alerts to users directly to their phones.

Download the free app on iTunes by clicking here. Android users, click here to download.

The SXSW Go app is a mobile guide to the conference. It allows users to get the most out of attending SXSW by enabling users to create their own personal lineups and schedules. The app can be synced with other devices too. With this app, SXSW attendees can easily retrieve schedule recommendations to discover new music, films and sessions.

For IOS, click here to download the SXSW Go app. Android users, click here to download.

While you're being so organized in plotting out your conference experience, you might also check out a city-issued list and map of all the streets that will be closed during SXSW. This would aid in saving time by avoiding closed-off sections and enhance freedom of movement as you attend the conference.

Such fastidiousness may seem antithetical to the nomadic, free-spirited nature of a typical SXSW attendee lured to music, film and engrossing panel discussions featured at SXSW. But such planning will make your experience that much more enjoyable, don't you think?

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