14 DAY TRIAL // GPS solutions provider TeleNav announced the launch of Whereboutz, a tracking service available both online and from the mobile, which allows users to easily stay in touch with each other. The application is a quick and entertaining way for users to meet up or find out the whereabouts of their friends. Whereboutz is available free of charge online through Facebook, as well as on Java-enabled cell phones through a downloadable application.
"We know people want an enjoyable way to stay in touch with their friends and relatives, especially around the holidays. Our new Whereboutz service instantly connects people no matter where they are", said HP Jin, president, CEO and co-founder of TeleNav. "I can keep up with my friends and family living here and anywhere across the globe."
The Whereboutz application is a simple way for users to share their current location by typing in an address and adding notes about what they are up to. Whenever someone updates his location, friends will receive a text message with the user's new location. An interactive map shows members where their friends are as well as the comments about what they are doing. The application also includes a local search function that allows members to look up businesses nearby so they can suggest places to meet. If a user has not updated his location in a while, friends can send him a request, called 'nudge', to update his whereabouts. When 'nudged', users will receive a text message to let them know that their friends want to know where they are.
Whereboutz is available for free to Facebook members and can be found on Facebook under 'Applications'. For mobile access a wireless carrier data plan is required. The mobile application is compatible with more than 100 Java-enabled (MIDP 2.0, CLDC 1.1) handsets and can be downloaded from the Whereboutz website available here.