Toaí Makes Offline Socializing an Online Experience

New social network Toaí (Portuguese for “I’m Around”) goes beyond what is offered by well known networks such as Orkut, Facebook and MySpace by promoting not only virtual interactions, but also face-to-face meetings. At first glance, it is a social network like any other: you sign up; you fill out a profile. But it also goes a few steps further: it asks you for your mobile number and uses it to text you with relevant music, art, and stores near where you are (even when you’re on the go) that the system predicts you will like, based on your profile information and friends’ favorites. It will also tell you when your Toaí pals  are nearby, or where and when to meet them. ToAí goes beyond the virtual world and promotes real live interaction. By bringing together your network of friends as well as customized location-based tips on arts, culture, and events, Toaí is making socializing an inherently online and offline experience.

- Contributed by Mandalah