Real-time mobile social network and city guide buzzd has launched a version for Google's Android platform, which is poised for a major growth spurt in 2010.

The buzzd Android application has all of the features of its iPhone counterpart, including the buzzdmeter, a real-time measure of activity at popular bars, restaurants and nightclubs in the user?s city. With the buzzdmeter, users can see the places with the most real-time activity?the buzz?in their city, neighborhood and event within walking distance of the block where the user is standing.

?We were honestly supposed to release the Android version a year ago, but we waited until there was a real consumer push,? said Nihal Mehta, CEO of buzzd, New York. ?With Verizon embracing the platform to the tune of a $100 million spend this quarter and next to market Android devices, that turned the corner for us.

?Already more than 2 million [Motorola] Droids have been sold going into Christmas, so we?re pretty excited,? he said. ?Android is significantly less crowded the Apple?s App Store?there are around 150,000 apps in iTunes, whereas BlackBerry App World has probably around 10,000 to 15,000 apps and Android is probably in that ballpark as well.

?There are a lot of positive factors?the significant marketing spend by Verizon and 10 to 15 different Android devices launching this week and next, plus the Droid selling so well, Verizon will be featuring our app in the app store on the Droid, and it?s Christmas?what makes a better stocking stuffer than a Droid??

Buzzd helps consumers to get up-to-the minute information on what is happening at any venue, rate events and connect with friends and other people in the area.

Buzzd partners with carriers and content providers such as AT&T, Boost/Sprint, Cricket, metroPCS, T-Mobile, US Cellular, Verizon Wireless, Virgin Mobile, Citysearch, Flavorpill, Twitter, Metromix and Zagat.

Let?s get buzzd
The buzzd network compiles information from its base of a half-million-plus users, Twitter and other real-time sources to provide users with activity updates for almost half a million venues across the United States and Canada.

The core demographic for buzzd is 18-40-year-old urban-dwellers who like to go out. The user base is 65 percent male, 35 percent female.
 
Both the new Android service and updates to all application platforms are available at http://www.buzzd.com and http://buzzd.com/m.

In addition to buzzd Android, the company has launched new versions of its iPhone, BlackBerry, mobile Web and PC Web versions, enabling Facebook and Twitter integration.

The new mobile Web version of buzzd has been redesigned for quick venue-searching and real-time feedback on venues.

The buzzd application lets users socialize by seeing what others have ?buzzd? in the feed section, as well as view photos and profiles.

Users can add and invite their friends from any address book, including Gmail, Hotmail and AOL, so they can share their buzzes.

The buzzd application lets users sort the buzzdmeter by category of places?bars/clubs, restaurants and other venues.

Users can post the buzz at a venue and simultaneously update their Facebook and Twitter status.

The application lets users rate a venue with a thumbs up or thumbs down.

Users can see who is at various bars, clubs and other venues to help plan their night.
 
Buzzd is now available as a free downloadable application for iPhone, iPod touch, Android and BlackBerry.
 
?I firmly believe in free apps that are ad-supported?if you can find this info for free somewhere else, like the Internet, you shouldn?t have to pay for it,? Mr. Mehta said. ?We sell our own advertising?we?ve done deals with brands like MillerCoors and Nokia, and there are a number of ways we can target ads, including location.

?We maintain 100 percent fill rates with partners like Quattro Wireless and Millennial Media,? he said. ?We see between $1 and $5 CPMs when we backfill, and when we sell directly usually in the $15 to $20 range.

?The main model of user acquisition is discovery in the various app stores and on-deck placement with carriers, and from there it?s all viral.?