Social networking and free messaging apps are one of the most downloaded and used apps on smartphones. Some of these apps enjoy huge popularity. Creating another such popular app must be the dream of many rising entrepreneurs and app developers. However, social networking space is such that once an idea has been put into action and has gained worldwide popularity, it becomes very difficult to win the same fame for others unless they bring to life something entirely different. Similar doesn't work.
Let me introduce you to one such new and 'different' social networking and free messaging app. This app is called NearGroup. The unique point of NearGroup is that it helps users connect with other users of the app living in the same locality. Of course, apps like WhatsApp can help in staying connected with your neighbours too. But such apps only help in connecting with people you already know. NearGroup, however, connects users to other users living in the same locality and these might include even strangers.
The benefit of this is that users have access to more people in case they need advice related to services and events of the locality. For example, someone needs a plumber. They can ask on NearGroup and everyone in their group can give recommendations.
NearGroup app is available for iPhones and Android devices. I tried it today and found the user interface quite easy. Before using the app, I had to register. The app gives only two options for that. Either I could register using Facebook login or by giving my phone number. I chose Facebook. Next, the app asked me to specify my city and locality and my interests. Based on that, the app automatically added me to the relevant groups for example the group of my locality, the Only Girls Nearby group and All Nearby Localities group.
When the setup was complete, the screen showing these groups became the Home Page of the app. Tapping on any of the group opened up a page with three tabs. The first tab shows active topics of conversation. The second tab shows subgroups within the group. The third tab shows the list of members of the group. Tapping on any of the members opens up their profile page showing the information they have supplied about themselves. That also mean other would be able to see all the information you provide.
Every group shows a Plus button which is to be tapped to start messaging. Tapping the blue Plus button opens up a list of kind of messages the user can send. These include General, Ask a question, Carpool, highlight an issue etc.
While I was checking out NearGroup app, I found that there's a similar app called Nextdoor for US citizens as well. However, as I live in India, I was not able to check that out and compare.
In itself, the NearGroup app seems like a good idea. It has easy user interface and nice and pleasant colours. As the app connects user to even strangers living in the locality, user discretion is necessary because not all people in the locality can be friendly or safe. For example, if you ask for plumber and someone on NearGroup gives a phone number, it probably won't be a good idea to call the number and give your home address before first making sure that it really is a plumber's number.
Know more about the NearGroup neighbourhood social networking
Download NearGroup app for Android
Download NearGroup app for iOS
