Blendr App Arms SXSW Attendees With Essential Networking and Socializing Tool

AUSTIN, Texas, March 8, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- South By Southwest –  One year after its unveiling at South by Southwest® (SXSW) 2011 as "Project Amicus," Blendr is back in Austin. Launched in September 2011, Blendr is the free, location-based app that empowers users to discover those nearby based on common interests and trending hot spots. In the spirit of networking and socializing, SXSW attendees can use the app to chat with fellow participants in real-time or to explore the local scene.

With Blendr, SXSW-goers can:

• Browse for other SXSW attendees by downloading the app and adding either social or professional interests.  For example, attendees can find and socialize with others who are interested in gaming or rock music or meet other entrepreneurs by selecting those interests within the app.
• Check in at nearby venues and keep up with the trending SXSW spots with the Blendr Heat Map, which allows users to see who and how many attendees are at the same spot.
• Network and socialize by starting a private instant-message conversation via Blendr chat.
• Let their friends and followers know what they're doing at SXSW by directly updating their status on other social networks, such as Facebook, Twitter and Foursquare -- all from within Blendr.

"Since Blendr launched as a working concept during last year's SXSW, we thought it apropos to harness the power of our location-based technology to help attendees make the most of their Austin experience," said Joel Simkhai, Blendr's founder and CEO. "In the six months that Blendr has been available to consumers, the app has generated strong interest with users globally, especially in the U.S., Australia and the United Kingdom, and particularly in metro areas."

CEO Joel Simkhai at SXSW

Simkhai will be on the ground at this year's SXSW as a speaker for the "What's 'The Next Big Thing' in Social Networking?" presentation on Friday, March 9th, from 5 to 6 p.m. at the Austin Convention Center in Room 10AB. He will share his insight into the evolution of the location-based app -- from a startup to a global brand -- and the introduction of Blendr. Both Grindr and Blendr started out as nothing more than ideas-turned-case-studies for how location-based mobile technology has enriched social networking and helped drive brand equity.

Blendr, one of the most talked-about new apps on iTunes, has been featured as "New and Noteworthy" and "Great Free App" in the app store; it has also been highlighted as a staff favorite. Unlike other social networks, which connect users to people they already know, Blendr takes advantage of location-based technology and real-time functionality to unite users looking for ways to discover new people with common interests and pastimes.

The app is available for free on the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch from the App Store or at Blendr.com/iTunes, and the Blendr Facebook app is available at Blendr.com/FacebookApp. After downloading either version, users can select from a wide array of interests, including entertainment, technology or music and instantly connect with new people in their area. To find out what's happening with Blendr, or for the latest SXSW updates, follow @Blendr and @Grindr on Twitter, or check their Facebook pages.

About Blendr

Blendr is the first-of-its-kind geo-social network for everyone to discover, meet and interact with new people nearby. The location-based mobile app empowers users to make new social connections with those nearby who share similar interests or a common background or experiences. Blendr is available as an app on Facebook, iPhone, iPad and iPod touch.

SOURCE Blendr