Group Chat is for SXSWers

For those of us not at South by Southwest this year, we waited with bated breath for new blog posts to appear and secrets to be revealed from the geek-culturefest. For the last couple of years, following #sxsw on Twitter would have provided the ultimate insider access but this year, the overwhelming 20,000+ attendees inundated the thread with hundreds of tweets per minute, making it impossible for us eavesdroppers to learn anything vicariously through their tweets (seriously, check out the video!).

The overworked #sxsw hashtag proved to be the most unhelpful for attendees searching for events, parties and conversations at South By. But have no fear, at a tech-filled festival (or what one described as ”the new CES…sort of a mix of testing, launch, marketing, business development, boondoggle, socializing, etc.”), there is bound to be someone in the bunch to solve the communication saturation problem.

Did I say someone? I meant multiple companies. The theme at SXSW seemed to be mobile group messaging applications. These apps were popular among attendees who were able to use the platforms to navigate the thickly-scheduled waters in Austin. Eight apps loved by Advertising Age include:

1. GroupMe: I am already using this with my bi-coastal family. The app lets you chat, conference call and search the locations of members in groups of up to 25 people that you set up. The best part: it’s free and much easier to manage than a Facebookthread or event.
2. Beluga: Newly owned by Facebook, this app is the self-proclaimed BBM for iPhones and Droids, allowing for group messaging without texting fees.
3. Bump: This is the Facebook for cars — upload insurance info, receive AAA discounts and receive offers on the go. Register your plate today.
4. Whrrl: Like Foursquare meets MeetUp, this location-based app introduces you to people and activities you’ll love, acting as an “ecosystem of inspiration.” Whrrlers - as Whrrl users are called - can also gain “influence” and discounts with the app.
5. NeighborGoods: This local resource-sharing app brings the old “borrow a cup of sugar” routine into the modern mobile world. If you’re borrowing or taking more than a cup of sugar, monetary transactions can be made.
6. Chomp: Don’t trust Apple’s app suggestions? Just heart and un-heart apps with Chomp, in real time.
7. Crowdtap: Mr. Youth’s new gamified crowdsourcing application rewards consumers for playing guinea pig for marketers with parties, money and more.
8. Wantlet: Ad Age chose this as their underdog to watch (I wasn’t there, so who knows!). The application does seem like an up-and-comer, allowing consumers to post a “want” and get feedback and suggestions from friends. It’s only a matter of time before brands figure out how to become an active part of that conversation. If not, it makes for a great digital birthday list.

SXSW is over-saturated to some, its the party of the year for others, and for game-changers, it’s the launchpad for the future. Let’s see what type of event it turns out to be for these buzzed-about apps mentioned above. Until then, I’ll just keep dreaming about actually attending one day.