2 ms·

I like the concept a lot. Here's what I see as it's advantages over striking up face-to-face conversation: 1. the other people actually want to chat -- If the

I like the concept a lot. Here's what I see as it's advantages over striking up face-to-face conversation: 1. the other people actually want to chat -- If the other people are signed on, then they're looking to chat and you're not interrupting the guy trying to read the paper. 1.5. the other people are also on messageparty -- which is a filter in itself, especially at this point. like begets like, and the chance of engaging conversation multiplies. 2. it's mass broadcast -- you're talking with everyone, not just one person, so you're more likely to find one person interesting among everyone at your location. I find this a much better than the "live" alternative of "speed dating" everyone at certain location just to engage in conversation that both parties actually care about. 3. people are uninterruptible -- just try getting 20 people talking in a room at the same time in the same place and still understand what's going on. with text chat, everyone's writing is on the screen and you don't miss a thing. 4. distance is relative -- sure, the hot chick 2 seats away from you in class is literally only 3 feet away, but the douchebag stranger between you two obviously won't appreciate being bothered. 5. as a student, i would totally use this in class -- sometimes you miss what the prof said, sometimes you just don't care what the prof says, or you want to find some tech-loving geeks to be in your study group PS: for the founders -- please release for ipod touch and ipad wifi! we have (approximate) location abilities too!

woodall 16y ago
I also think releasing this to the other iGeneration of products would be nice, however: For iPod touch with Maps, the Maps application provides your approximate location using information based on your proximity to known Wi-Fi networks (when on and available). The more accurate the available information, the smaller the circle identifying your position on the map. The feature is not available in all areas. Known Wi-Fi networks are predominantly in urban areas. In order to provide your location, data is collected in a form that does not personally identify you. If you do not want such data collected, do not enable the feature. Not enabling the feature will not impact the functionality of your iPod touch.[1] Google dishes out money to have people drive around all day and take pictures. Hell, I'll walk around all day with a laptop and gps dongle to log wifi spots. The iP(ad)ods do not have the GPS like the phone. That is the only issue I see for releasing it for them. Maybe a zipcode/area select feature would come in handy? Sort of like Facebook groups but for specific locations. You could use YellowBook/Google Maps/Mapquest/Pay Service to help provide the business data for that area. [1] http://www.apple.com/ipodtouch/specs.html http://www.apple.com/ipodtouch/specs.html
- makeramen 16y ago
  I'm well aware the ipod touch and the ipad wifi both have location services based on wifi networks, and like you said, they're inaccurate outside of urban areas, but that's also where population density drops off and human-proximity-based apps like this are less applicable. precisely why i think it would be a great idea to go ahead and release for other 'idevices'

woodall 16y ago

I also think releasing this to the other iGeneration of products would be nice, however: For iPod touch with Maps, the Maps application provides your approximate location using information based on your proximity to known Wi-Fi networks (when on and available). The more accurate the available information, the smaller the circle identifying your position on the map. The feature is not available in all areas. Known Wi-Fi networks are predominantly in urban areas. In order to provide your location, data is collected in a form that does not personally identify you. If you do not want such data collected, do not enable the feature. Not enabling the feature will not impact the functionality of your iPod touch.[1] Google dishes out money to have people drive around all day and take pictures. Hell, I'll walk around all day with a laptop and gps dongle to log wifi spots. The iP(ad)ods do not have the GPS like the phone. That is the only issue I see for releasing it for them. Maybe a zipcode/area select feature would come in handy? Sort of like Facebook groups but for specific locations. You could use YellowBook/Google Maps/Mapquest/Pay Service to help provide the business data for that area. [1] http://www.apple.com/ipodtouch/specs.html http://www.apple.com/ipodtouch/specs.html

makeramen 16y ago
I'm well aware the ipod touch and the ipad wifi both have location services based on wifi networks, and like you said, they're inaccurate outside of urban areas, but that's also where population density drops off and human-proximity-based apps like this are less applicable. precisely why i think it would be a great idea to go ahead and release for other 'idevices'