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Comment by dougcorrea | Hacker News Reader

What about automatically chatting with ANYONE nearby you that is using the app and "available" for chat?

I think this will be a good idea.

Imagine you in traffic, and launch the app to chat with the driver in the car side yours... The same could works when you go to party and don't try to find somebody "available" there....

This, for Facebook, should be easy, right?

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Spott ( https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/spott/id591300005 ) is exactly what you're talking about.

It's basically nearby anyone, with the connection being a location instead of a phone number, email, username, etc... They have done a good job at keeping the content focused on useful information, rather than dick pics.

The downside is it really only has a strong user-base in Chicago.

Great app! And really nice job with useful information instead of simple chat.

After remember that Twitter have already an "location flag" when you tweet from mobile, I did a search for something that use it, and found it: http://nearbytweets.com/

It seems that this is the same idea with Twitter users...that is also interesting

Thanks! We're working on Twitter integration with our next release (1.2.2). Twitter's streaming API opens up a lot of cool new features for us to add.

do you are from Spott team? Great!

I think improve it with twitter integration will be great. And, maybe, let an optional "public chat" (without images and with flood control) maybe let it more 'popular'

if you want to discuss more feedback feel free to found me on me at dougcorrea.com

The problem I see with this at large events such as rock concerts is the speed messages come in with. In just small group chats of 5 or 6 friends sometimes everyone sends so many messages that I can't keep up. What happens at a rock concert when you have hundreds of messages coming in? Will people even read them or take the time to scroll up to see past comments? At that point it basically becomes impossible to carry on conversations.

You are right, but maybe if user could filter messages based on other user profile could works.

I saw this nearby chat being used for the same people that today uses things like tinder, chatroullete and so on. BUT, images should not be allowed in "public" chat and also auto-flood protection (like that old irc channels)...

Do you think it should work to avoid mess with many messages?

Do you seriously think that wouldn't just turn into a chatroulette insta-dong service?

Actually the idea is to turn in it!

I think today one of most "popular" whatsapp feature is group message. Now imagine "localizated" group message formed automatically!

When you go to a Rock concert it will be possible to chat with everyone there, make new friends, chat privately and so on...

Actually it will be: chatroullete + whatsapp + tinder + Facebook Nearby :)

Maybe I should put this idea on IndieGoGo...

I'll wait for some feedbacks where first...them maybe I create an campaign there :)

Right, group messaging for people you know. I don't see anonymous group messaging as anything other than weird political blasting, anonymous dick pics and an outlet for road rage.

You also shouldn't be on facebook when you're driving.

I understand your point, but I'm curious how tinder, chatroullete and other forms to chat with unknown people are so popular?

I think it could be a great thing. In a stadium, for example, it should be interesting for some people. And better that, in parties, obviously. But what we'll receive as perk to contribute on IndieGoGo? =)

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