Colleges

POSTED: Thursday, February 10, 2011, 4:59 PM
Filed Under: News | The CLOG | Colleges


The bar scene may never be the same if Penn students’ MEEPME app takes off. Think Quizo-style interactive entertainment mixed with hints of sexting and a lot of fun.

MEEPME is a mobile app that employs anonymous flirting via SMS – or texting. The app uses cloud communication powered by Twilio to allow participants free, anonymous interaction with other participants in the same venue. The idea is to let people  interact with and meet one another without the initial pressure of a clever pickup line.

Here’s how it works:
1. Upon entry to a venue set up for MEEPME, a participant number is placed on your back.
2. The venue will have a phrase that you will text to a pre-set number.
3. This will register you and allow for unlimited “meeping.”
4. All Meeps are automatically posted on one, or more, TV screens throughout the venue.
5. Your anonymity is secured until you reveal yourself with a specific command.
6. Love connections are made – maybe.

Maybe not love connections, but at least it’s meant to the next evolution of bar games, said Matt Newberg, one of the apps creators.

Newberg, along with three other Penn students, created MEEPME during the semi-annual PennApps Hackathon last month. The app won grand prize in the 48-hour competition and was immediately a hit with Penn students.

Yesterday, the Blarney Stone saw nearly 100 participants (mainly Penn students) whip out their phones to “meep,” said The Daily Pennsylvanian. Last week, the app went live at Smokey Joe’s where over 5,000 meeps were sent from 150 participants.

The team plans to spread this app to various venues and bars throughout the city. "What we're doing right now is working with venue owners," said Newberg. He told CP that MEEPME's goal right now is to create the interactive experience in your neighborhood bar.

For now, we'll have to check out Newberg's "shiny new toy" in University City or next week at Yunker's in Manayunk.


Tweets that mention Penn students invent app to “MEEP” chicks & dudes at bars :: The Clog :: Blog Archive :: Staff Blog :: Philadelphia City Paper -- Topsy.com
Posted 2011-02-10 17:38:21
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Alex Hillman, matt newberg and Sam Oldak, Philly News Now. Philly News Now said: Penn students invent app to “MEEP” chicks & dudes at bars: The bar scene may never be the same if Penn students... http://bit.ly/eBzBPi [...] 
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