Users were able to "check in" at places by using text messaging or one of the mobile applications and they were able to see who is nearby and who has been there before.
In April 2009 Brightkite was acquired by mobile social network Limbo.
Brightkite allowed registered users to connect with their existing friends and also meet new people based on the places that they go.
From the app a user could check in, post a note or photo, send messages, browse their friend and nearby streams and access their account settings.
[4] The Brightkite Wall[5] was a visualization tool that used to show real-time updates from a place, user, or keyword.