Jason Austin's Blog Life and times of a PHP Developer in Raleigh, NC

You Gotta Try Out TriOut

Unless you have been living under a rock for the last few months, you've probably heard of location-based check-in apps like foursquare, Yelp, Google Latitude, etc.  The gist is that they let you "check in" to places that you go with your mobile phone, sharing that info with your friends and the Internet.  It's a great way to connect with people, see what they say about a place, etc.

TriOut is a service in the same genre, but tailored specifically to the Triangle.  It features the ability to check in to your favorite Triangle locations, share pictures and reviews, and connect with your friends.  It's got a great points system in place that brings out the competitor in me, which is why it is fun.

So what does TriOut get you that other location-based services don't?  That personal, hometown touch.  Foursquare is growing like twitter did a few years ago, and they are going after the high-rollers like chain restaurants, national retail stores, etc.  While that is great for them, foursquare seriously lacks that hometown approach.  I found that many local restaurants, bars, and specialty stores just weren't represented.  And if they were, most didn't run any specials for checking in.  I believe TriOut has a different audience, one that cares MORE about those mom-and-pop places, and less about the Outback's and Wal-Mart's of the world.  For example, this past week they ran a contest where the top point-getters would get $25 gift cards to Raleigh establishments.  Great idea, and it seemed to get a lot of participation.

The whole idea for TriOut seems to cater to a more localized, targeted group.  I believe they are on the forefront of where social media will be taking us in the next year or so, which is delivering micro-level news and connections specific to your area or neighborhood.  I was lucky enough to sit down with the creators of TriOut (@waynesutton and @lawpower) last week, and I got to tell them in person how awesome I think what they are doing is.  It's embodies all that is great about the Triangle:  innovation, technology, entrepreneurship, communication, and love for the area.

So if you live in the Triangle, head over to TriOut, create an account, and then start hanging out with us cool kids