Hi HN,

I’m working on Ping, a mobile-first app designed to help people connect in real life not just follow each other online.

The idea is simple:

You open the app, and instantly see people near you who are open to meeting

You can “ping” someone if you’re nearby and interested (e.g. “I’m working at this café – open for a chat”)

Focused on spontaneous meetups, shared locations (parks, gyms), and no endless messaging

Unlike most dating or social apps, Ping isn’t about swiping or likes — it’s about lowering the threshold to say: "Hey, I’m here, let’s hang out."

I’m currently testing a prototype/mockup and working out user flows. Would love any feedback on:

The core concept does this feel useful or desirable to you?

UX or privacy concerns

Monetization ideas without killing authenticity

Here’s a link to the early prototype: https://www.figma.com/design/G54P77Ud84q8bPha1Ysf1o/Ping-V1?...

I’m planning a public launch later this year for now, just testing the waters.

Thanks for reading! Tom

How are you planning on getting early users? Social apps are near impossible unless you have mass adoption. Are you thinking of launching in a specific city?