PORTLAND, Ore., Sept. 2 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Microblogging, famous for its 140 character limit, just got better. At an event hosted by the University of Portland on August 31, PingGadget is set to launch the beta version of its next-generation microblogging and social media service. PingGadget allows users to communicate with one another, stay connected to what is going on around them, and build custom groups specific to their location and interests – all through the microblogging protocol of 140 characters, photos up to 1MB, and video up to 8 MB.

PingGadget is a free service and users can sign-up at PingGadget.com.

"We saw an opportunity to make some significant improvements for existing users as well as those new to microblogging," said Dennis Moulton, co-founder of PingGadget. "In addition to staying connected to the people you care about and are interested in, we designed the PingGadget system to help users stay connected to what is going on around them within their location."

The PingGadget service specifically focuses on location-centric benefits and use cases and includes a powerful location and category directory. PingGadget features a 493 city location directory with a custom topic directory, including location-centric topics like jobs, classifieds, recycled goods, events, nightlife, music, and volunteering opportunities.

PingGadget can also support custom groups.

"Everything from bird watching to you-name-it hobby or interest can have real-time representation to benefit interested users," Moulton said.

Millions of Americans participate in microblogging as a means to stay in touch with friends and connect with like-minded users. However, only a small percentage of users have active accounts. According to social media analytics provider Sysomos, about 5% of microbloggers create 75% of all activity. PingGadget, with its powerful location-centric and category tools, provides more value to users and with the goal of increasing activity rates.

"Beyond the current usage for entertainment and broadcast, so much more is available with microblogging," said Moulton. "We believe PingGadget's unique benefits will go a long way for the everyday user, making microblogging simple, more productive, useful, and fun."

Nguyen and Moulton are entrepreneurs with strong hi-tech backgrounds. The two University of Portland class of 2005 alumni met in 2009 at an awards ceremony where both were recognized as "Significant 75" alumni of the University's Pamplin School of Business.

SOURCE University of Portland

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