BUMP.com Takes to the Streets

Groundbreaking technology gives users a real world dashboard for keeping in touch, special offers

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Sep 14, 2010, 04:56 ET

SAN DIEGO, Sept. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- BUMP.com is the latest entry in the mobile and web communication and messaging space, but it adds a game-changer - new technology that allows users to safely message or "BUMP" other motorists based on their license plate numbers.

BUMP.com features speak and listen technology to avoid the need for texting and reading when mobile. Voice, email messages, photos and SMS messages can be delivered via BUMP's integrated web and mobile platform.

The start-up was launched today at DEMO, the prestigious technology conference held in California's Silicon Valley. BUMP.com Founder and CEO Mitch Thrower unveiled the Beta version of the site, and the mobile application, urging consumers to "Claim Your Plate," or register their license plate numbers with BUMP.com to begin receiving benefits.

Today BUMP.com also announced a method to email any car, anytime, by simply emailing the [email protected] - for example, to send a message to California motorist with license plate number 729P815 a user simply emails [email protected].

Among the services soon to be offered by BUMP.com is the BUMP Advantage membership upgrade, which extends beyond the computer and keyboard, into the real world. BUMP Advantage offers a robust array of benefits, discounts and privileges, including things like roadside assistance and many lifestyle-type benefits.

"BUMP is AAA meets Foursquare (or auto club membership, meets your favorite social media application, meets location-based behavior apps – take your pick)," said Thrower, a San Diego-based entrepreneur. "Whether you want to say hello to someone you see on the road, let drivers know something's wrong with their car, or receive real-time discounts on goods and services based on your own preferences, this site is for you."

Safety and Privacy

Proprietary technology makes BUMP.com safe and easy to use. BUMP.com gives the users total control of their settings. The system includes voice recognition and optical interfaces, allowing users to either snap a photo of the license plate they wish to contact, or verbally input the license plate number on their mobile phones. Text messaging will be disabled when a user is in motion.

Motorists must choose to opt into the system by "claiming their plate" on the BUMP.com website, which lets them control how they want to send or receive "BUMPs", who can contact them, what type of messages they will accept and even what type of emergency notifications they want to receive. Users can also determine if they want BUMP.com to connect with other social applications such as Facebook or Twitter. The system allows users to connect directly to the mobile phones of registered, participating BUMP.com members. "It's a sort of CB radio, but for the entire world," said Thrower.

BUMP.com's menu of privacy settings allows members to choose the type of information they want to receive about products and special offers, based on their own likes, dislikes and travel or purchasing habits.

How it works

BUMP.com turns the license plate number of every car on the road into a "real world cookie," said Thrower. Messages, discount offers and other information sent to any license plate are stored in the BUMP.com system until the plate owner "claims" his or her plate number, and can receive the information, either as a voice message email or text. Once an owner "claims" a plate, they can also participate in the mobile phone geotagged location based offers.

The Beta version of BUMP.com released yesterday allows users to go online and register their plates, and begin sending and receiving messages through their computers or mobile phones.

iPhone, Blackberry and Android apps will be available soon to consumers.

What's coming

BUMP.com is working with fast-food outlets, professional sports leagues, rental car companies and others to incorporate their marketing efforts with this new opportunity to connect to people through their vehicle license plates. Existing video cameras will be combined with… BUMP.com's technology to target special offers and discounts to people with an affinity for those products and services.

Other potential applications include arrangements with fleet operators, for the protection and safety of passengers and drivers. The messaging capabilities of BUMP.com can prove an asset in many situations, from a driver being notified from a confirmed towing provider to a passenger who has left her purse in a taxi.

Early adoption

A survey commissioned by BUMP.com indicates that more than a third of respondents, both men and women, are interested in networking with people in other cars. More than two-thirds of respondents said they would use the service for safety on the road.

"The fusion of the existing vehicle registration network and BUMP.com's technology creates a completely new way of communicating with other people, and a new form of what I am calling 'motion demographics' for businesses," said Thrower. "So, log onto BUMP.com, claim your plate, and BUMP someone today. Who knows, you may already have a BUMP or two waiting for you."

About BUMP.com

"BUMP.com is a safety, marketing, membership and communications platform that allows users to connect online and offline via unique identifiers, including license plates, mobile phones and online profiles.

BUMP.com offers web and mobile messaging tools for consumer and commercial markets. Connect any existing digital profile with your offline real world unique identifiers at BUMP.com, enabling your license plate and mobile phone to become a link to the world you are interested in."

Video available to embed: http://www.youtube.com/user/BUMPvideos

SOURCE BUMP.com