SocialRadar, the District-built mobile app that gives consumers information about the people around them, today announces the acquisition of Baltimore-based
Gridskippr for an undisclosed sum. Beginning today, SocialRadar is also releasing a software development kit (SDK) to allow developers to take advantage of what company CEO Michael Chasen calls "advanced location-based services that are highly accurate and reduce battery drain."
Gridskippr's team of three, helmed by cofounders Phillip Zakas and Yonis Benitez, has been working with SocialRadar since its inception. The three have officially joined the SocialRadar team, bringing the company roster to approximately 15. Chasen says he sought Gridskippr out when building SocialRadar's initial, consumer-facing app. "There are a lot of limitations around the capabilities of a smartphone," he says. "[Smartphone-based GPS locators] are not exactly accurate." They also drain the phone's battery, about 8 to 14 percent per hour. Gridskippr's software has lower battery drain—less than 2.5 percent per hour--and higher accuracy, geolocating within a two-meter radius, as opposed to a typical GPS 100- or 10-meter radius.
Chasen also says that the SocialRadar SDK, which includes the advanced location manager as well as tools for gaining insight into users' shopping, dining and travel habits, is also ideal for app developers looking for ways to better target ads to consumers.
"Half of the apps in the AppStore use location," Chasen says. "We're already in discussion with a dozen app developers who want to target ads to users based on location data."
For now, the SocialRadar SDK is free. Chasen says he is thinking about monetization strategies in the longer term, like "building licensing [opportunities] or revenue-sharing agreements. That's long term. Right now, we're focusing on getting SDK out the door and into the hands of as many developers as possible."