Loopt, the "social compass" that transforms your phone into a pinpointing device to show you where your contacts are at any given moment was just demonstrated on the iPhone at WWDC. The GPS application will be free for iPhone users, enabling them to track their friends, via pinpoints on maps, in real time.
Loopt will be available as soon as Apple's AppStore launches, along with other applications by Sega, eBay and TypePad.
Loopt is already available on the Blackberry, as seen in the demo above.
What's Driving This Trend
- Real-time GPS Tracking
- Loopt's success on the iPhone shows the demand for real-time GPS tracking applications.
- Social Location-based Services
- Loopt's ability to transform the phone into a 'social compass' highlights the growing trend of social location-based services.
- Mobile App Marketplace
- The inclusion of Loopt in Apple's AppStore and alongside major brands like eBay and Sega demonstrates the growth of the mobile app marketplace.
Who This Affects Most
- Mobile App Development
- The demand for real-time GPS tracking and social location-based services creates opportunities for startups and established companies in mobile app development.
- Location-based Advertising
- Companies that offer location-based advertising services may look to partner with Loopt or similar social location-based services to reach their target audience more effectively.
- Travel and Tourism
- Real-time GPS tracking and social location-based services can disrupt the travel and tourism industry by providing personalized and interactive experiences for customers.
