Moot Makes Social Networking Hyperlocal
Are you ready for yet another social network? Neither are we. Lucky for us, Moot has a new take on it.
The Norway-based Moot connects users on the same Wi-Fi network. Share music, images and other files with friends or strangers, as long as both parties have the Moot software installed.
Being in the same location and both having the software are big hurdles. The hyperlocal sharing is also what sets Moot apart from similar services, such as Pownce. I can imagine in places where coffee shops are full of laptops, Moot would be a fun service.
Like any social network, Moot requires a critical mass of users to be useful. If I open up Moot at a coffee shop, how likely is it that others have the software installed and running?
Further, there are platform issues. Moot only works currently in Windows XP and Vista. There is also a Windows Mobile version. This leaves out Linux and Apple products that are the favorites of early adopters. Moot doesn’t promise other versions, but it understands the need:
Most requests for porting Moot seem to be to either the Mac or the iPhone. We haven’t made firm porting plans yet, but it is very likely that the Mac and/or the iPhone will get highest priority.
Even with other versions, it’s unclear how it could go about gaining the traction necessary to receive wide adoption. I’m happy to see someone with a different take on social networking, but I’m afraid Moot might be too hyperlocal.
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