Loopt [1] will launch a major update designed to connect users to the most relevant places and people nearby for its free application on certain key mobile devices. This brand new version of Loopt enhances users' ability to discover the world around them -- revealing who's around, what to do, and where to go.
Loopt introduces Pulse, a new feature that offers dynamically-generated, relevant local content about places and events from some of the best sources on the Web. Pulse offers the power of friends' recommendations, the Loopt community's real-time feedback, and information from premium, local content sources to help users find what to do.
"Local discovery has never been done very well, which makes it harder than it should be for consumers and local businesses to connect. If you know exactly what you want, then major online search engines are okay. But, if you want to find the best new restaurant to check out, look for local concerts happening tonight to go to with friends, or find a place that's particularly popular right now, then you've probably been underwhelmed."
"It's difficult to get results from lots of different premium, local content sources at once, and it's always great to receive your friends' trusted recommendations on the places they like. We think we've taken a huge step forward on all of these fronts," said Sam Altman, CEO of Loopt.
"Another area that's never been done really well is delivering relevant local coupons. This delights everyone when done well, and we're thrilled to bring you special offers when you're near retailers, restaurants, and many other establishments in this new version of Loopt. You can save these coupons, get directions to or call the establishment, and then redeem the coupon once you're there. We've had a fantastic response to these coupons from our early testers," said Altman.
Loopt is proud to join with NAVTEQ. NAVTEQ LocationPointTM Advertising enables Loopt to provide highly targeted and relevant offers and promotions in a mobile environment when and where consumers are making shopping and purchasing decisions. Further, it provides a means for monetization of applications in a manner that actually enhances the user experience.
With NAVTEQ LocationPoint, Loopt users who are looking for nearby friends and a place to meet can view offers from nearby merchants such as coffee shops and restaurants that match their needs. Merchant locations are displayed and merchant services and special offers can be advertised with rich graphical promotions and mobile coupons, as well as engaging calls to action including: Click-to-Call, Click-to-Coupon, and Click-to-Route.
Loopt is also proud to partner with Zagat, the world's leading provider of consumer-survey based information. Zagat's quality, trusted information is based on the collective experiences of thousands of avid consumers.
"We are excited to offer the Loopt community access to Zagat's top lists and information about special Zagat events in their area," said Nina S. Zagat, Co-Founder and Co-Chair of Zagat Survey. "It is our mission to provide consumers with Zagat content wherever they are and whenever they need it."
The new Loopt application also offers updates to its core service, including improved check-in functionality, the ability to rate local places and events, and a feed of the latest activities of friends listed in real-time.
Loopt is currently supported on more than 100 mobile devices across all the major U.S. carriers. Go to http://www.loopt.com [1] to sign up for Loopt.
About Loopt
Loopt, based in Silicon-Valley and backed by leading venture capital firms Sequoia Capital and New Enterprise Associates, has created an interoperable social-mapping service that allows individuals to use their location to discover the world around them -- enabling them to find and enjoy the people, places, and events that mean the most right here and now using their mobile phones. With Loopt, individuals will always know who's around, what to do, or where to go. Loopt is available across all the major U.S. carriers and supported on over 100 mobile devices. Loopt was designed with privacy considerations at its core and offers a variety of effective and intuitive privacy controls.
For more information, please visit http://www.loopt.com [1].
Links:
[1] http://www.loopt.com/