Trover, a start-up company created for explorers worldwide, has formally launched Trover, a mobile discovery network where people share location-specific discoveries of remarkable places and things in a visual way.
Trover’s founding team includes: Jason Karas, CEO, who founded Carbonrally.com; Andrew Coldham, vice president of technology who directed software development at Expedia.com’s corporate travel division and Rich Barton, chairman, who founded Expedia.com and co-founded Zillow.
During a limited spring trial, open to Facebook members only, the Trover community attracted more than 70,000 users in 150 countries. To set the stage for expansion, the company has now opened its network to Twitter and email users as well. Trover is available today as a free iPhone app in the Apple App Store, with an Android version planned for fall. Non-mobile users can view Trover content at http://www.trover.com .
Trover’s defining feature is its location-based discovery mosaic, which allows explorers to visually browse through an eye-catching collection of thumbnail images featuring places to see and things to do nearby, according to CEO Jason Karas. As the user scrolls, a mileage indicator guides them to hidden gems located in nearby neighborhoods, towns, states and beyond, allowing users to explore new places or plan activities.
To view a specific location, simply push the Jump To button for a virtual adventure. Trover’s search features also make it easy to find and follow people with common interests, says Karas.
Adding new discoveries is simple and encouraged, he adds. Just snap a picture, create a quick description and Trover automatically tags it with location data and positions it where others can find it later. The Feed button provides a way to track the discoveries and adventures of friends and fellow explorers, and a Featured button showcases one great discovery from the community each day.