In the long-time ago land of 2012, “people discovery apps” were all the rage, despite the fact that many of these companies had been networking for years. Fast forward to 2013 and the scene is a bit different. Many of these apps have either folded (Meeteor) or have been gobbled up (Facebook acquiring Glancee) within the last year. But, that doesn’t mean it’s all doom and gloom for apps attempting to connect people in the real world.
Besides people discovery apps, messaging apps are one of the most popular apps on the market. Sure. Many of us use messaging apps to keep in touch with our contacts, there’s also potential to expand our personal network with chat features that are commonly included on messaging apps.
Messaging apps, however, can be vanilla at times. Which is why visual texting apps have come into play. They spice up messages enough to actually make sending a message a fun and interesting experience. Combine that feature with the numerous people discovery apps and suddenly your world just got bigger.
With so many options out there, it can be overwhelming on which visual texting and people discovery apps are worth your valuable time. To help you get started, here are 10 suggestions.
10. Visual Texting
Visual Texting is an extremely simple app that could save your vocal chords. This app just enlarges words and phrases in a large enough font that takes up the entire screen of your phone Sounds dull, but a nifty app that could come in handy in loud surroundings, think at concerts or bars, when you need to chat with your friends or that beautiful women you want to buy a drink for. This is much more convenient than yelling.
9. Bizzaboo
Believe it or not, there are people discovery apps that can be used for individuals in the business world. Bizzaboo is just one of these apps that can be employed by organizers and attendees heading to an event or conference. Organizers use the app to promote the event and give attendees all the info they need. As for the movers and shakers attending, Bizzaboo allows them to connect with each other face-to-face or explore new business opportunities.
8. Lango
Zlango was founded back in 2004 and became known for allowing users to compose quirky icons as opposed to actual lettering in messages. Sometimes an icon says so much more than a word or phrase. In 2013, the San Francisco based company launched its iOS and Android apps and dropped the first letter of its name. What’s really great about Lango is that the app is extremely up-to-to-date with the latest news and gossip, so users can use appropriately timed icons. There are actually a lot of fun options with Lango, so instead of going on and on, why not grab the free app for yourself?
7. Foursquare
Foursquare not only dishes out recommendations and suggestions for nearby locations, users can also “check-in” at the suggested place of business. By checking in, people can earn rewards and share their location with friends. Foursquare may not exactly be a people discovery app, per say, it’s still a useful tool in discovering new places and connecting with friends.
6. Badoo
Badoo has been around since 2006, but it hasn’t really taken off in the States. However, it’s very popular in South America, mainly Brazil, and parts of Europe. But, what is Badoo? It’s supposed to be an international social network site, but it’s more of a chat room, dating site and picture-rating site. That doesn’t mean that it’s terrible, it’s just not exactly what was envisioned in the beginning. There’s definitely potential with Badoo to find new friends or even love because users seem very outgoing. Just be weary of the occasional fake profiles.
5. WhatsApp
Not everyone has an extensive text plan, but most of us do have solid data plans. If that’s a situation that you’re in, then you probably already know of apps like WhatsApp. WhatsApp is an instant messaging application for smartphones that uses 3G or WiFi. Besides messages, the app can send pics and audio or video files. The app can be personalized any you want, we’re talking about notification sounds or wallpaper, share location and contact info with buddies and there’s also a chat feature. With over 250 million active users, WhatsApp is doing something right.
4. Banjo
If you get bored easily, or are just tired of doing the same old song and dance, Banjo is the perfect app for you. Banjo simply allows users to discover any event going on in any part of the world by tapping into your GPS. Besides exploring new locations and activities that have previously gone unnoticed, Banjo also connects you with like-minded people. And, with a recent partnership with Google+, Banjo could continue to skyrocket.
3. Circle
Circle is promising to be the future of social networking, but it’s way too early to tell if that will be the case. Regardless, Circle’s approach is slightly different than other people discovery apps. Basically, people are able to literally track each other to an exact location. After setting up a profile, you could notice that your friends at the local watering hole or that the woman you’ve been eying up in the airport is from your neck of the woods. Of course, to find all this out, they would have to be signed up as well. It’s an interesting use of GPS, but also kind of scary if in the hands of the wrong people.
2. Imo.im
Imo has an unbelievable amount of features, which makes it one of the more interesting apps around. Many people may not be amazed by the phone and chat features, but Imo also has the broadcasts feature. This allows you to connect with other people in your area that have shared interests. Users can share everything from recipes to music over this feature, which could lead to new friendships. And, if you’re feeling anti-social you can always just turn the broadcasts feature off.
1. Highlight
Highlight has been one of the most buzzed apps since it launched in 2012. What makes Highlight so fun and appealing is that it sends notifications when friends or a person with similar interests is nearby. Even if you’re standing next to a complete stranger who also happens to have the app, you’ll get notified, which is an excellent way to break the ice. Besides informing you on who’s nearby, Highlight allows friends to keep in touch, meet new people and remember what you did on that crazy night out with guys with the timeline feature.
