May 12, 2011 – Anything Geospatial

Here’s details of what’s known as a Proximity Platform from Rococo Software (Ireland) . The dev team tells us about it… Developers can use LocalSocial to build proximity-enabled applications that can react when near to a person, device or business of interest… whether you’re using NFC, WiFi or Bluetooth, it should be simple for the developer to use proximity in their applications. A quick background on highlights on LocalSocial:

– Developers can register, get the LocalSocial libraries, track analytics, use Tags, social integration, and more

– Libraries are available for J2ME and Android – more to follow

– Support for WiFi and Bluetooth, NFC to follow

– Analytics provide views on scans, devices, location and more

– Tag API provides a flexible “overlay” for developers to associate any information they want with the devices “seen” by their apps

– Two small showcase apps in the Android market (Tagster and Dowser) – feel free to download and try out

– We also have built two other showcase apps *not* on the market yet – for loyalty/ local deals for businesses / customers

– These apps are called NearBuyers (there’s a store one, and a customer one) – you can download from the showcase area on the site

– The NearBuyers apps are intended to be white labelled, and act as a good starting point for discussion with retail / digital agencies / proximity marketers

– End users and Developers can find out about LocalSocial at : www.mylocalsocial.com

Here’s a nice look at how TomTom is using the user’s data to share traffic data and help the network of drivers. TomTom’s research indicates that it only takes 10% of drivers with TomTom’s HD Traffic service to create a real-time “collective effect,” making roads flow more efficiently and reducing journey times for all. The Manifesto has been unveiled in the U.S. market following the recent introduction of TomTom’s HD Traffic service to the U.S. in April on the new TomTom GO 2535 M LIVE and its availability on TomTom.com. See more details in this announcement

The four commitments outlined in the Manifesto are:

1. TomTom will encourage and inspire people to play a role in reducing traffic congestion.

2. TomTom will increase the availability of TomTom HD Traffic.

3. TomTom will lead the continuous improvement of traffic and route guidance technology.

4. TomTom will bring together key traffic stakeholders to share ideas and drive actions forward.