NearVerse has launched its proximity-based music and video-sharing iPhone app, LoKast, for Android devices. LoKast enables users to discover and share music, pictures, videos, contacts, and web links with other LoKast  users who are close by.

To use LoKast, users download the app and add the content that they would like to share. Then they launch the app and let it run in the background. When the user comes within 300ft. of another LoKast user, the app will automatically discover their profile, enabling them to view and download the other user’s shared content. Media can be shared between iPhone and Android devices via cellular, wi-fi or Bluetooth connections.

“The fact that Apple and Google have enabled apps to operate in the background has made our service instantly more useful from a content discovery perspective,” says Boris Bogatin, CEO of LoKast’s parent company NearVerse. “Previous to background app enablement, LoKast was primarily transactional, with one-to-one media sharing. Now LoKast is truly a proximity discovery experience.”

LoKast has been embraced by the music industry as a digital stage to complement live performances, and for the sharing of exclusive content between performers and fans. Over 40 artists are using the service at summer concerts across the country. They include New Kids on the Block, Third Eye Blind and Echo and the Bunnymen. NearVerse adds that other companies in the movie and telecom sectors have seen LoKast’s success in the music industry and are looking to the firm to help them integrate proximity networking and “location backgrounding” into their platforms.

You can see a video of LoKast in action here.