Grindr, the massively popular mobile social app that helps guys find other guys that like guys who like guys…is releasing a version for the rest of us code named “Project Amicus”.  The Grindr version allows users to upload their photo and preferences and view a map of potential partners in their area and then connect with them through messaging.  I’ve heard stories of users sitting alone in a cafe, browsing the app to see guys as points on a map, checking out their profile and then seeing their map icon move into the area they’re in and then walk into the cafe to give a wink and a nudge before introducing each other over a soy latte and a slice of orange cake.

A Grindr user recently ran me through its pros and cons.    In his mind, it’s a bit of fun and a great way to have a perve and potential meet up.  Obviously, most users aren’t on their to find a meaningful relationship and are more interested in looks and measurements than first names.

The straight version “Amicus” promises it  “will be packaged with an optimized interface that catalyzes human interaction”.  Grindr already does this with a focus on users profile pics and sorts by location.  I’d imagine Amicus will run in a similar way.

Will a straight version work?  There’s a bit of debate about this in our office – i’m guessing that the straight version will result in the majority of users being randy sweaty blokes looking at prostitutes pretending to be something else, and a very small bunch of women mistakenly using it to find a husband.  Success will come with a strong level of security and options possibly weighted in females favour.  This is going to be very hard to get right.

Sign up for the beta version at Project Amicus.