People can now get a bird’s eye view of downtown Dowagiac right in the palm of their hands.

Local computer repair store Dowagiac IT3 released a mobile application for smartphones, tablets and other digital devices running Google’s Android operating system last week, which allows users to access the company’s sky cam of downtown Dowagiac on the go. It is the first of several functions the business is looking to build into the program, said Dowagiac IT3 owner Brian Antisdel.

Developed by store employee Steven Hammons, the application allows users to see and hear footage from the IT3 weather camera, installed atop the business’ storefront on Front Street. While people could already watch the livestream from the company’s website, the application simplifies the process even further, which will especially benefit people with disabilities, Antisdel said.

“I wanted to make it even easier for people to get to [to the camera],” Antisdel said. “Just one touch and you’re there.”

The camera shows 24/7 footage of a stretch of Front Street nearby the computer repair store, including Beckwith Park. By accessing the camera, people can get an overhead view of city events, including the upcoming the summer’s Beckwith Park Summer Concert Series, Antisdel said.

“If you’re elderly but you still want to see the community, you can be there instantly — without having to drive into town,” he said.

Antisdel is looking to build additional functionality into the program for future updates, including AMBER alerts for when local children go missing, notifications for runaway pets and other functions that will serve the people of Dowagiac, he said.

“It’s like an extension of social media,” he said.

Early adopters of the app will be entered into a drawing for cash prizes and a free Windows 10 tablet, Antisdel said.

The store is looking to release a version of the application for iOS devices, such as iPhones or iPads, in the near future.

The Android app costs $1, and can be purchased in the Google Play Store, at https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.dowagiacit3.steven.it3liveeye