Social Mapping love with Loopt and Verizon
Loopt social mapping services will be available on Verizon phones from next month – but you guessed it – not on all of them only a selected few.
What is social mapping?
Basically Loopt provides a service that enables consumers to share their location. Messages can be geo-tagged as can images and other correspondence. This information is then shared between friends on devices. The service is also linked to the AIM buddy list via presence features.
How much?
Its on Get It Now for USD 3.99 per month. 20 phone types on the way and it can be found in the Tool on the Go section.
From the press release
“Loopt offers Verizon Wireless customers a fun, unique and powerful way to connect with friends and share information,” said Ryan Hughes, vice president of digital media programming for Verizon. “Loopt enhances the mobile experience by letting friends stay in touch with and informed of their friends’ lives – wherever they go.”
“Location is the redefining element of mobile communication and the consumer experience. Location interoperability and accessibility is the gateway that extends the reach, value and power of mobile devices for all consumers,” said Sam Altman, chief executive officer and co-founder of Loopt. “In co-operation with Verizon Wireless, we are laying the foundation for mass consumer awareness and adoption of Loopt location-based services with a focus on user privacy and security.”
What we think?
I am trying to get all excited about geo-location and tagging. I see enormous potential, but do mobile yoof want this? The boys that bunk off school or the girls that climb out of the bedroom window to go clubbing. Or thousands of kids who have told their parents they are in the library and are actually in the bike shed?
I mean, putting a price on this service is the first obstacle for youth. Secondly, knowing where everyone is can also call for lots of fights and might become a feature on a Ricky Lake show or something – “I caught them via mobile geo-location services”.
Saying that, I am really looking forward to meeting Verizon next week and hopefully Loopt too. I will check it out and report back.
Related News:
- Loopt comes to Verizon
- Loopt Implements Facebook Connect to Enable Users to Easily Find and Connect with Facebook Friends
- deCarta selected by loopt for mobile social mapping services
- Loopt Partners with Filter Magazine and also creates Loopt: Where It is Facebook application
- GyPSii – geo location on Nokia N95 and 6110 Navigator
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