Fueled by the growth in smartphones, cloud-based platforms like SimpleGeo and “contextual” data from sources like GeoIQ and Factual, location-aware mobile devices and solutions have reached a tipping point. With growing consumer acceptance and use, location intelligence is bringing the benefits of “hyperlocal” to media, advertising and, with apps like Foursquare’s just announced Radar, m-commerce.
- Transforming the way in which consumers shop (ShopSavvy), discover new places (Trover) and even keep track of their favorite bands (Songkick), developers are leveraging location to build new mobile apps and solutions that are indispensable to consumers and invaluable to businesses.
- Combining social with location and mobile, businesses are leveraging SoLoMo solutions and delivering on the promise of PEER SM — personalizing, enabling, engaging and rewarding consumers. Leading retailers like Wal-Mart and Best Buy are bringing location into their store operations, while small businesses are embracing solutions like LocalResponse to connect with and compete for customers.
- Integrating location, data and algorithmic solutions, innovative startups are tackling significant problems like yield management for perishable services and attracting “smart” investors — see, for example, ThinkNear, a Techstars NYC startup formed by a group of ex-Amazon employees, funded by IA Ventures and ff Venture Capital.
By fostering discussion, interaction and exchange among startups, businesses and investors, GeoLoco offers a unique forum to explore, learn about and capitalize on important new developments and opportunities in geo- and location-based services.
Source: Dr. Phil Hendrix, director of immr and GigaOM Pro analyst (www.immr.org)
