I found out about a new, interesting-looking iPhone app, Crowdbeacon, today and decided to blog about it because it is an app, although simple, based on a unique idea. It is a location-based communication platform that makes location-based services and information even more useful for your everyday needs by providing relevant, localized communication and information to users on what they need, whenever they are and wherever they are. Basically, it’s taking the location-based trends to a whole ‘nother level!
Here’s how it works:
For example, you visit a city that you are unfamiliar with and are looking for a great place to watch a comedy show. You can simply open Crowdbeacon, post your question and literally “ask the crowd for help”. Your question would be delivered to the experts and businesses in the local area who can respond instantly. In case everyone is busy and no one can respond immediately, Crowdbeacon also links to other location-based services such as Yelp, Foursquare and Google to provide information so the platform is not relying entirely on active users on the spot.
Here is what I think is so great about this app in terms of its ability to make the idea of “whatever, whenever, and wherever” a reality:
- actual identities are associated with advice given–they are less likely to be business owners anonymously writing multiple fake reviews on, for example, Yelp
- credibility of advice is higher since it is coming from local people who probably know best around the area
- information is much more timely (instant responses) and relevant (users are answering your questions directly)
- more convenience–no need to search or browse through a bunch of different businesses in a category
- it’s always a warm fuzzy feeling when someone genuinely wants to help you out!
Personally, I cannot wait to use this app myself.