Loopt has announced it will launch a major update for its free application on some mobile devices designed especially to connect users to relevant places and people.

This new version of Loopt (News - Alert) allows users to know their surroundings better and includes as interoperable social-mapping service that lets users locate people, places and events using their location at any time and at any place.

The new feature called “Pulse (News - Alert)” offers dynamically generated local content about places and events from reliable sources on the Internet and includes real-time feedback, information from local content sources and is designed to be like a friend’s recommendation to help users find any detail they desire.

“Local discovery has never been done very well, which makes it harder than it should be for consumers and local businesses to connect. If you know exactly what you want, then major online search engines are okay,” said Sam Altman (News - Alert), CEO of Loopt.

“But, if you want to find the best new restaurant to check out, look for local concerts happening tonight to go to with friends, or find a place that’s particularly popular right now, then you’ve probably been under whelmed,” Altman said.

Officials with Loopt said they will offer relevant local coupons with special offers from nearby retailers, restaurants and other establishments that can be saved used to get directions to the establishment and then redeemable.

 

In addition, Loopt said the company will be using NAVTEQ (News - Alert) LocationPoint Advertising to offer the targeted and relevant offers and promotions while customers are actually involved in shopping. This enhances the user experience and helps monetize applications.