magnetU real life social networking

screenshots of the smartphone app for ‘magnetU’, which aims to bring social networking and profile matching into the real world

calling itself a ‘street network’, ‘magnetU‘ is a system designed to virtually facilitate the real-world meeting of likeminded individuals, integrating across facebook and smartphones.

‘magnetU’ itself is a small, colourful panel, designed to be carried as a keychain, pendant, or phone charm. as a standalone device, ‘magnetU’ functions as a digital business card, enabling the instant exchange of social network information by simply tapping two devices together via the ‘magnetU cheers’ functionality.

by downloading the ‘magnetU’ app onto a smartphone and accessing the website, users can create their own profile, listing their ‘social desires’ and interests that might range from professional and business profiles to those for dating or friendship. when a user is in the proximity of even several hundred meters of likeminded individuals, the system sends an SMS informing him that there is an ‘attractive’, ‘hot’, or ‘red hot’ match nearby, based on the similarity of the two users’ profiles. online, users can also send out notifications of their upcoming plans.

with ‘magnetU mAds’, users can become ‘fans’ of business establishments, potentially accessing discounts and coiupons via bluetooth.

the device is compatible with android, samsung, nokia, HTC, sony ericsson, blackberry, and other GSM phones. the company is planning trial runs for 2012 on six american college campuses.

the ‘magnetU’ device

depiction of the ‘cheers’ function to instantly exchange facebook and twitter data

the device can be worn on bracelets, phones, or keyrings

concept video of ‘magnetU’

via cnet