Transforming LBS Location Based Information into Money – by Claudio Schapsis
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  • Final notes – Location Based Social Networks – THE LIST

    Posted on December 20th, 2008 Claudio Schapsis 13 comments

    So as I mentioned in my original post regarding Location Based Social Networks, the general impression I had after putting all of them together in one page is that many of the LBSN are “me too” applications, and at this point I can’t pinpoint one that present a marketing message with a unique offer, a distinctive value proposition or main differentiators from the others. I included standalone sites, and applications that complement as add-on Social Networks such as Facebook, Twitter, Flicker, YouTube, etc.

    The directory is provided as “info only” without recommendations or endorsements. I’ll appreciate though, if you can review the list, and leave your comments.

    PLEASE share / digg / quote / and ping back!

     

    11 responses to “Final notes – Location Based Social Networks – THE LIST” RSS icon

    • Actually – here is one more that you missed: IRL (In Real Life) Connect. They are doing location based social networking via the Internet, not your mobile, so you can see where your real friends are in your “hood” Just wanted to invite you all to try it and give feedback.

      If you want to read about the company and their philosophy, its http://www.irlcorporate.com . Two very creative Dutch guys – in all seriousness wanting to make a change in how we relate to each other on the internet and use it to connect.

      Try out the beta version:
      url: http://www.irlconnect.com

    • I will be happy to see a Locify here (http://www.locify.com). Generally it’s not a “me, too” social network but the framework to create _any_ mobile location services. It’s in Java (not usual), works even without gps (use address, stored location or on newer phones network/cellID localization). Simple to describe – mobile xhtml browser with support of location (to send to the server). Open and free.

      I will be happy to hear any feedback. Thanks

      David Cizek, lociman

    • Praized Media (www.praizedmedia.com) has created a white-label local social networking platform that any web site can install. It comes with 17M+ business listings and social tools allowing users to vote, comment, tag and share places with their friends.

    • As you state it’s hard to differentiate any of these on value proposition of their app. I think best way to differentiate is to see who’s launched on what carrier platforms & who has most handsets in market. The other candidates for social networks are the current navigation app partners with the carriers (in US it’s Networks in Motion & Telenav). Once they’re on the network with a nav app & users, it’s a simple step to add a social networking component. I’m sure Garmin will be on your list when their nuviphone is shipping.

      Other app vendors I’ve come across with social networking apps:
      Mobilaris
      WaveMarket
      Genasys
      Duzine (app is Beacon)
      Loc-aid (www.loc-aid.net)

      Also, check out http://www.lbschallenge.com and look at past winners in the social networking category. Several have made it to the commercial phase.

      Thanks for your list.

    • Thanks for the list… here’s another: 3G Dating Agency

      http://www.3gdatingagency.com

    • Di,
      I couldn’t find any integration with maps on that site. They are working over cellular networks but not necessarily are a location based social network.

    • Recently, Blackberry Partners Fund invested in 3 LBS companies that were not mentioned in the list…Digby, MobiMate, Buzzd…

      http://www.redorbit.com/news/technology/1594571/blackberry_partners_invest_in_mobile_locationbased_services/index.html

    • Thanks Lucian!
      I check them and buzzd made the list!
      Digby is a Mobile commerce platform and Mobimate helps you in your trip arrangements (hotels, flight details, etc.), even though you can share details of your trip I couldn’t find the Location Based part or the social aspect of the application – I’ll double check. Thanks a lot!

    • http://www.locatik.com – is missing on your list.

    • Just a plug for our site :)http://www.geograffiti.com with our map/voice content at http://www.geograffiti.com/map

    • great list! Thx! Is there any easy way to know how many users every LBSN has, what site has the biggest community?

      Also wanted to let you know you have two times “plazes” in your list, and there is something strange with the text of Qiro :p

      thx!!!


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