Thanks to The GRID, a South African location-based social networking service for cellphones, Facebook users in South Africa are now able to see where their friends are on a map, organise events and get directions – online or on their WAP-enabled cellphones.
The GRID is powered by Vodacom and makes use of network-positioning systems to map a user’s approximate position, based on the location of their cellphone. The new application adds a whole new level of location-based functionality for Facebook users. Users can indicate their position, view virtual notes posted in an area, get directions from point A to B, and use The GRID to set up their own events which includes SMS directions and a map to their friends.
After installing The GRID application, it displays the user’s current location on their Facebook profile and so allows them to share their whereabouts with friends on a map. There are three location-based services available on Facebook:
1. Blips / Virtual Notes
After locating you, the Facebook application allows users to view ‘blips’ or virtual notes in the form of text, images or video that were left by other users in the area. Users can click on any blip and get routed there on the map.
For example: Someone has dropped a blip to indicate that there is a really good Chinese restaurant in the area. A user clicks on the blip for more information and then gets directions to that blip on Facebook, which can also be sent to a cellphone, free of charge.
2. Navigator
With the Navigator function The GRID application allows users to get directions from point A to point B by simply entering a start and an end location. The shortest route is displayed on a map and accompanied by directions that can be sent to a cellphone.
3. GRID Events
With GRID Events, users add their own Facebook events, like a party or a function, and invite their friends. By setting up an event through The GRID, guests will receive an invite with the option to get directions to the event from their current location.
Dot Field, Chief Communications Officer of the Vodacom Group says: “The functionality that we’ve introduced to Facebook with this application is not only very handy but a lot of fun too. With its location-based technology, The GRID application highlights what is happening in your area on a social level, by displaying information being shared between friends and other users specific to that location.”
How to install The GRID application
The GRID application can be installed in the same way as any other Facebook application – providing the user has an active Facebook profile. To load The GRID application, simply search for “The GRID” under Facebook Applications” or click on http://apps.facebook.com/youarehere/. Once installed, The GRID will appear as part of the user’s Facebook profile.
Accessing The GRID outside of Facebook is as simple as sending an SMS with the word ‘GRID’ to 33313 (SMS is charged at R0.50) or registering on the website at www.thegrid.co.za
The GRID factoids
1. The GRID can be accessed now by the general public via a WAP site (from your cellphone) at wap.thegrid.co.za
2. The GRID is a free product, users pay only standard data rates to their network providers for the amount of data they download or upload
3. The GRID is a partnership between Vodacom and best of breed innovators and suppliers
ENDS
For more information please contact:
Donald Swanepoel at Cow Africa
Email: donald@cowafrica.com
Phone: 076 546 8304 or 021 422 5430
