Staying in the LOOPT
By Azam on July 25, 2008
Loopt a location based application is gaining traction with prominent position with the launch of the iPhone and the AppStore. The Apple shoed off LOOPT at the show off at Apple’s WWDC event for iPhone application for LBS social networking . LBS services are considered a killer app for mobile devices and services based on location. The ability to be aware of surroundings and friends is a valuable tool that GPS technology has been promising. The Loopt application is delivering on the reality and is available on a number smart phones like RIM and through carriers.
LOOPT announced major progress during Venturebeat’s MobileBeat 2008 Conference on LBS technology. LOPT announced deals with Qualcom and SIRF to give unlimited number of dip information for a fixed fee. Dip is the information based on gps location that is used in LBS services. The deal allows access to important location info in a more reasonable pricing. The business model will make offering more attractive and will likely have handset and carriers sign on to the revenue model.
LOOPT has partnered with Yelp for delivering local content and reviews. Users will be able to see cool places around them to eat, drink, etc. LOOPT intends to sign up more partners to deliver location content. Also, LOOPt has developed applications that integrate with social networks like facebook that will be able to share data with friends on places visited and related review or comments.
LOOPT competes with several LBS services such as Whrrl, Brightkite, Loopt, Plazes, FireEagle. Interestingly, Pelago‘s Whrrl is the first funded application by KCPB in their iFund for the iPhone. Plazes was acquired by Nokia to provide LBS services. Yahoo’s FireEagle is aimed to address LBS services.
Loopt received $5M in venture funding with from Sequoia Capital and New Enterprise Associates.
Categories : WirelessTags : apple, BrightKite, FireEagle, GPS, iPhone, LBS, Loopt, nokia, Plazes, RIM, whrrl, Yelp