Loopt launches LBS developer program

Social-mapping and communication service Loopt announced the launch of a third-party developer program in an effort to galvanize the creation of WAP, web, SMS and native mobile location-aware applications. The Loopt Developer Program will launch as a closed beta, promising developers access to the company's live location feed--Loopt said it plans to work with 15 to 20 projects to bring these services to market, while selecting an additional three or four projects for deeper integration into its platform. The company added it will assist in enabling applications to function cross-carrier and cross-device as well as ensuring compliance to applicable industry model codes and best practices for consumer privacy and security.

"We are thrilled to offer the first live location developer program that ushers in a new generation of context-sensitive mobile services," said Loopt CEO and co-founder Sam Altman in a prepared statement. "If you have a great idea for a location-aware application and want to build it, the Loopt Developer Program will provide the software and infrastructure to create a proof-of-concept product. We'll provide a path for commercial release and monetization across carriers and devices for the best applications."

For more on the Loopt Developer Program:
-read this release

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