'Stalker' tools that fill you in on your friends' whereabouts & activities
Implications - Social media and special mobile apps have changed the way consumers interact with friends. But status updates on Facebook and Twitter are one thing; tools that actually help you track your friends' whereabouts and activities -- and help you find them -- are another thing entirely. These "stalker"-esque innovations mean you'll never be wondering where your friends are ever again, whether you've lost them in a crowd or they've dodged all your phone calls.
Trend Themes
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Social Media-based Location Sharing — Consumers are looking to share their whereabouts in real-time and brands should focus on creating experiences that encourage social connection and sharing in a meaningful way.
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Real-time Location Tracking — Real-time location tracking technology can benefit large sites and multi-level structures, as well as shopping malls by helping managers track shopper traffic patterns and security risks.
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Group Event Coordination — Technology can make organizing group events easier and more spontaneous, providing a new level of convenience for friends who want to meet up somewhere other than online.
Industry Implications
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Social Media — The advent of social media has led to consumers seeking new ways to connect with friends and share their experiences, making social media-based location sharing an interesting opportunity for this industry.
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Retail — Real-time location tracking technology can provide retailers with valuable data on shopper behavior and traffic patterns, allowing them to optimize store layouts and improve targeting of marketing efforts.
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Mobile App Development — Group event coordination technology presents an excellent opportunity for app developers to create innovative solutions that improve the convenience and spontaneity of planning social events with friends.
