I just received an interesting press release about a new mobile social-networking platform for South Africans, called UbYou:
Load shedding, congested highways and limited bandwidth will no longer thwart South Africa’s growing social networking community. The launch of wap.ubyou.co.za by wireless service provider, Glocell Wireless Service Provider, will give cell phone users access to an entertainment based social networking platform rich with local flavour.
The first phase of the portal will offer wap-enabled users a seamless social experience by creating user interaction around entertainment content be it music, games or information services. Mobile workers, or those with limited internet connectivity will now be able to download music, comment on a game or catch up on their astro predictions by simply visiting wap.ubyou.co.za.
“There are an estimated 18 million wap enabled mobile devices in the South African market, it just makes sense to move social networking to a realm for more people to access and enjoy” says Gloria Ruhrmund, Glocell Wireless Service Provider (GWSP).
“ubyou should not be confused with instant messaging portals,” continues Gloria Ruhrmund “we are not simply addressing the need for cheaper forms of communication, but are offering a virtual access point for people to express themselves within a community that holds similar interest.” Access to the community is free, only network data fees apply.
In addition, ‘ubyou’s’ content will include local flavour, dialect and content to ensure that it truly reflects the community it is intended to serve.
Since May 2007, GWSP have invested an estimated R 2-million in the wap.ubyou.co.za platform with a view to realising new revenue streams from advertising as well as the knock-on effects of downloads.
The second phase, due to be released soon, will include interactive gaming, an incentive point system to stimulate user interaction and strategic corporate partnerships to evolve the ‘ubyou’ experience.
The portal was built by in-house development team, headed by Stuart Steedman.
I haven’t tried it out yet, but I will do. What do you think of the potential for this?
I’ll eat my own words, but I don’t see it being that great. Something much bigger, locally, will over take it in the not so distant future with just one swipe! Until then, Facebook mobile will still dominate, social graphs Dave, social graphs.
Talking about interesting mobile commotion check out zinadoo.com… can set up your on mobile site in 5 mins – or less if you haven’t got much to say!
Talking about social networks check ou mybrown.ning.com a new social network for africanos
I also want to introduce the newest African Social Networking site. Check it out at http://www.agorokete.com
I have a funny feeling, just by looking at all the “latest African social network” posts, that they might be a bit of an African social networking bust if this is the boom?
having african chatrooms is kinda well thats what i think
Adding this to my bookmarks. Thank You
I am looking for friends in South Africa. I would like to
dicuss opportunity of networking and doing business
together, share the leads, and network and be in each
others network. I really appreciate your time and look
forward to connecting.
Thanks,
James
http://www.fastpitchonline.com/jamesmakoetla/
jmserurubele586@gmail.com