What can you use the application for?
Dopplr is an online social networking service were business travelers and globe trekkers can keep each other posted on their movements.
What is the history and popularity of the application?
Dopplr was created with the aim of letting travelers let each other know where they are. Friends traveling to various places can keep track of their movements and plan get-togethers when they happen to be in the same city (or even airport) at the same time. You can also view user's tips on cities that you plan to visit; perhaps somebody has found the best café, bar or restaurant in town. Presently, you can only view the trip itineraries of your own friends who are already on dopplr, but other users' travel tips are free for everyone to view.
What are the differences to other applications?
Dopplr's forté is to concentrate only on the jetset community and nothing else. This seems like a niche market, and at the moment the site seems quite sparse in terms of content if you don't have enough if enough contacts. The site infrastructure is there, but it seems that the makers of dopplr are waiting for the site to fill up with users. Otherwise, there is very little original content to keep you on the site until it takes off (no pun intended). One interesting feature is the ability to keep track of all your travels on a map.
How does the application look and feel to use?
The very modern looking dopplr website is designed with simplicity and intuition in mind. Only the most necessary features are made available at any one time, ensuring that the site does not become cluttered. There doesn't seem to be any advertising present to distract you either.
How does the registration process work?
During registration you will only have to specify basic details, such as your name and location. You will not be required to verify your e-mail, allowing you to get straight into the site. The registration process will also give you the opportunity to invite other friends to become users of dopplr. This might be a good idea, seeing as the usability of the site really relies on other people you know becoming members as well.
What does it cost to use the application?
Dopplr is a free service open to anybody who would like to register.
Who would you recommend the application to?
Dopplr is a simple site that fills the niche in the market that it is designed to fill. The only question is if that niche is as big as it really is, and if it isn't already covered by other social networking sites. If you and your friends or colleagues travel a lot, then maybe you can all agree to use dopplr to keep track of each other's movements.
