Final notes – Location Based Social Networks – THE LIST

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!

Posted in: Link - Social Networking on December 20th by Claudio Schapsis

18 Comments

Comment by Alex — December 22, 2008 @ 4:08 pm

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
Pingback by Location Based Social Networking list of sites with links | Location Based Services - Business Only — December 22, 2008 @ 4:34 pm

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Comment by David Cizek, lociman — December 22, 2008 @ 4:49 pm

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
Comment by Sebastien Provencher — December 23, 2008 @ 10:16 am

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.
Comment by Mike McCourt — December 23, 2008 @ 10:58 am

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.
Comment by Di Jackson — December 24, 2008 @ 2:14 pm

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

http://www.3gdatingagency.com
Comment by Claudio Schapsis — December 25, 2008 @ 11:02 am

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.
Comment by Lucian L — December 28, 2008 @ 12:58 am

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
Comment by Claudio Schapsis — December 28, 2008 @ 10:07 am

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!
Comment by John66 — December 30, 2008 @ 4:06 pm

http://www.locatik.com – is missing on your list.
Pingback by 60 Location Based Social Networks | Mobile Zeitgeist — January 6, 2009 @ 6:36 am

[...] Aber ich habe mir mal wieder die Augen gerieben, was ich alles nicht kenne. Und ein Blick in die Kommentare bei Claudio zeigt, wie viele noch in seiner Aufstellung fehlen. Diese sind jedenfalls [...]
Comment by adrian — May 27, 2009 @ 2:11 pm

Just a plug for our site … http://www.geograffiti.com with our map/voice content at http://www.geograffiti.com/map
Comment by Tom Staelens — October 8, 2009 @ 1:39 am

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!!!
Comment by New GPS Location based Network — May 17, 2010 @ 6:26 am

Hi Claudio,

I came across this great list while doing some research on the topic of mobile pgs enabled social networking sites.

I wanted to ask whether you would be open to making additions to this list? The reason I ask is that Hummba.com is a new Travel and Lifestyle based Location based social network and would fit in nicely.

Would be awesome if you could have a look, if not, you still have a killer list here!

Thanks
Comment by Ant — June 1, 2010 @ 9:59 am

You missed StreetSpark – http://www.StreetSpark.com
See mashable review- http://mashable.com/2010/05/11/streetspark/
Comment by Claudio — June 1, 2010 @ 11:10 am

Thanks! I’ll put it in the list soon. I have still 20 more to go
Comment by Universifieds — June 10, 2010 @ 8:13 pm

Your list is awesome and comprehensive! Thanks a billion for compiling this!!!!!
Comment by Jason — June 23, 2010 @ 11:47 am

I am missing Friendticker – quoted as Germany’s Foursquare and with most cooperations with brands right now. http://www.friendticker.com

Best
JSon