Live local information that is actually relevant
Last fall, AGBeat introduced you to Loku.com, a hyperlocal news site with an extremely sophisticated algorithm that surfaces only relevant (and very local) information like venues, events, and news, allowing anyone to feel like a local.
Today, Loku has announced their new app for the iPhone, Android and Windows smartphone, using HTML5 technology and rolling out initially to Austin, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, and Washington DC, with other cities to follow throughout the year.
The new apps are the next evolution for the company, as now, users can add tips, opinions and commentary about local places, events, and activities and getting “real-time buzz” about their community.
Building local status
In the era of social proof, Loku approached establishing status differently, attempting to mimic offline behavior – a local can increase their ranking on the site by spending time in an area, visiting more places, adding more tips and comments, finding what’s new before others, inviting others to join, and supporting local businesses, the exact same way we all traditionally establish ourselves in a community without the web – we are involved.
The company seeks to make the sharing process enjoyable and real-time, with results changing as you walk a few blocks down. “The key feature of the app is a stream of everything happening in your local community, pulled from the entire Internet, social media, and more. The “Go Local” tab can be used to explore what’s happening nearby, or what’s popular across the city, and add your two cents. The app flips between pages that feature every aspect of local culture: events, music, food & drink, news, photos, local blogs, and more.”
Big data mining, uncovering local gems
As with the website, the Loku mobile app uses extensive big data mining techniques to reveal interesting information based on your location. “With Loku in your hand, you have a window into the community that simply doesn’t exist anywhere else,” said Loku CEO, Dan Street. “Our mobile app reveals what the locals care about like the free concert tonight, a new food truck opening, breaking news developing nearby, a happy hour going on, the popularity of an event, or the best dish at a restaurant. With this technology you can skip crowds of tourists, avoid the mainstream noise, and get a real taste of what’s local.”
“Our website update furthers our mission of bringing local people together to form deeper bonds of community” said Street. “You simply can’t offer a local-focused service without it being hyper-personalized, so we spent the time to build a very sophisticated platform that pulls and uses information from multiple sources. We also greatly expanded the amount of content available on the service, especially the events category, a change which has proved very popular with our user base.”
To get the app, simply go to Loku.com on your phone and add it to your homescreen when prompted.
