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In a statement released in March, Sam Altman, CEO and co-founder of Loopt, laid out the need for social mapping and the advantages it brings users looking to enter the social networking arena via mobile phone. "Location is the redefining element of mobile communication and the consumer experience. Location interoperability and accessibility is the gateway that extends the reach, value and power of mobile devices for all consumers."
While initial projections suggest the application would be available in April, Verizon subscribers were able to download the application for the first time Wednesday.
By using applications like the one Loopt offers, users get access to a detailed map that provides the location of other friends, letting you see where friends are congregating or if they happen to be in the neighborhood.
"Loopt enhances our customers' real world experiences by helping friends stay informed of their friends' lives," said Ryan Hughes, vice president of digital media programming for Verizon.
Using the location-based services offered by Verizon, users who load the application on their phone can share location information, status messages and geo-tagged photos. Loopt users can also create mobile communities on their handset by pushing updates to anyone in their address book or on their AIM buddy list.
Because some might be hesitant to transmit their location openly, Loopt offers secure privacy settings that should allow users to feel comfortable using the application. The application is entirely permission based and location information is only shared with known friends through private networks. Additionally, users have the option to turn location sharing on or off at any time and can also choose which friends to share their information with carte blanche.
Verizon Wireless customers interested in joining the Loopt can download the application in Tools on the Go section of the Get It Now store. A subscription to the service costs $3.99 per month. Loopt is also currently available on Sprint and Boost Mobile providers.
Loopt and Verizon's pairing is just one location mapping device that has recently been announced. Earlier in June, BlackBerry announced a partnership with CitySense.
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