A company called Purpose Wireless (Canada) launched echoecho, what they say is the permission-based, location-sharing service, which works across smartphone platforms (iPhone, Android, Symbian, BlackBerry and Windows Mobile). The idea seems kinda Twitter-like as it invites users to simply ask and answer the question – “where are you.”
Its trick is in the opt-in part, as you select whom to inform about your current location, instead of sharing the information via Twitter or Facebook. Moreover, there are no profiles to fill – simply install the application (from m.echoecho.me) and take it from there. Your buddies are already there – in your address book!
Once you have the app installed, you can send the so called “echo” only to the people you want to know where the heck you are at the moment. Your mom/wife/girlfriend doesn’t have to know you’re in a strip club. Similarly, your boyfriend shouldn’t care that you’re on a lunch with your ex.
To make things even better, right from the bat – echoecho has opened up its API to third parties interested to take advantage of the service/platform. I’m looking forward to see what other companies can do with it.
Bump Networks’ CEO was one of the early beta testers of the service and he described it as “SMS for location.” In that sense, if these guys reach the critical mass, they may be onto something. I’m doing my part in helping them bootstrap by providing them some media coverage. 😉