A new smartphone app, created by local mobile solution company Group Connect, hopes to make travelling in groups simpler.
Group Connect uses GPS to track members of the group and shows on a map where each person is, allowing everyone to "do their own thing" in a foreign space, while still knowing where everyone is.
The location-based service also allows for communication with other members through the app. Users are able to send messages (including photo and video), broadcast messages, SOS alerts and set meeting points.
"The user needs an active Internet connection (WiFi or 2G/3G). Most of our users opt for purchasing a local SIM card or they use global SIM cards," says Group Connect director Travis Bester.
"We have an 'offline' mode scheduled in our development roadmap," he says.
The company is in talks with several large tour operators that wish to white-label the product, notes Bester.
The groups within the app can either be closed or open. Closed groups require an invite by the group administrator; a tour guide, for example. Open groups are for friends travelling, who may meet up with other travellers along the way. Users can be part of multiple groups in the app.
"One of the most difficult parts of travelling is finding a person or landmark in a foreign place where signs are often in another language," the company says.
This motivated it to include meeting points, warning points and SOS functions in the app.
Meeting spots are set by taking a photo of the place and choosing a point on the shared map. The app also has a built-in category that allows travellers to browse potential meet-up spots, like coffee shops, restaurants and attractions.
Once a meeting point is set, Group Connect notifies all or individual group members of where they need to be and when. The app then provides directions to the spot.
Warning points are a feature that lets travellers mark places that may be dangerous.
Group Connect allows users to set up a perimeter around a fixed point which will notify the user who set the perimeter if any group members move outside the area.
The SOS function is used when members of the group are in distress. It alerts the other group members immediately and gives them the distressed members' location, distance from each of the other members and their battery status.
The app is available for free download on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
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