Badoo - Meet New People

on 6/12/12 11:30 PM

Tested version: 1.11.0
Latest version: 2.16.2
Requires Android: from 2.1

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Summary

WTF is Badoo? This is what some of you might be thinking. I didn't know anything about this social network up until two weeks ago, either. If you're curious, read on, because we've tested Badoo - Meet New People for you.

Today's review was written by Thomas—thanks!

 

Features & Use

Section rating:

Test devices:
Samsung Galaxy Nexus

Android Version: 4.0.4
Root: Yes
Modifications: Yes / AOKP ROM Build 38 / Popcorn Kernel 10.2 Nightly
Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1
Android version: 4.0.4 / 3.2
Root: Yes
Modifications: Yes / AOKP ROM Build 36

App details:
Runs as of: Android 1.6
Apps2SD: Couldn't be detected on either device
Size: Ca. 9 MB
Optimized for Ice Cream Sandwich: No
Tablet optimized: No, but runs well

Required permissions:
Most of them make sense, but I could't work out why Badoo - Meet New People needs to be able to access contact data and messages. While I haven't found that these permissions are being misused, I would urge the Baddo devs to strike these permissions from the list.

I asked around and most of my colleagues, friends and acquaintances aren't familiar with Badoo, which, by the way, has over 150 million members, which is by no means a small network, especially when you consider that MySpace now only has 63 million registered users.

So what's Badoo - Meet New People all about? Well, it can't really be compared to Facebook or Google+. The Badoo key feature reads: meet new people. You start off by filling out your profile, paying special attention to adding details regarding what your interests are. It also makes sense to let others know what you're looking for, i.e. chatting, meeting someone, going for drinks, etc.

The Badoo concept is that rather than target search for people, a list of other users in your vicinity is displayed. You can see what other Badoo members are interested in, and if your interests overlap you can chat or meet up with a person.

In other words, Badoo is a cross between a chat platform and online dating. The advantage over traditional dating websites is that the Badoo atmosphere is a lot more laid back, seeing as not all users sign up looking to hook up, so to speak. Many users are simply looking to make new friends or people who share the same hobbies in their area.

Here's a look at the the features that can be accessed via the app:

  • Profile
  • People Nearby
  • Encounters: Similar to “Hot or Not”; filter people you'd potentially like to meet using their photos
  • Messages: PMs and chats
  • Favorites
  • Your Visitors: Oh yes, it's stalker time! You can check up on who's been looking at your profile
  • You Like: The people you liked from Encounters
  • Like You: People who selected you
  • Mutual: Successful encounters merge here

Categories can be accessed via their icons in the main menu. That's about all there is to say. The app is great for Badoo users who want to stay in the loop when they're on the go or not in the mood for sitting in front of their computers. The whole thing works great, except for push notifications which can sometimes be really tardy, which is irritating.

Bottom line:

Needless to say that everyone has to decide for themselves if Badoo - Meet New People is their thing or not, as well as for which purposes they want to join the network.
Badoo can't be compared with Facebook and the like, it's a unique kind of social network, which is definitely fun, although it could do with a few more features. I especially like the “People Nearby” feature.

The widget is a great bonus but the live wallpaper lags.

 

Screen & Controls

Section rating:

Badoo - Meet New People is easy to navigate and well structured. It won't blow your mind design wise, but it is perfectly decent to look at.

 

Speed & Stability

Section rating:

A pretty steady performance from Badoo - Meet New People in this department. It takes a moment or two to download via internet.

 

Price/Performance Ratio

Section rating:

Badoo - Meet New People is free of charge and can be found in Google Play.

 

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Developer

Badoo en

United Kingdom

Badoo is a social network where you can meet new people.

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Badoo - Meet New People
★★★★★ Badoo Badoo is a social network where you can meet new people. With over 150 (...)
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All Test Reports

Jun 29, 2012 8:21:47 AM

Thanks for letting us know, David!

Jun 29, 2012 12:47:42 AM

Actually I did not have any issues uninstalling the app but I have been a part of the network for a while. I've had a few chats but have yet to actually meet anyone in person. All-in-all, it is what it is and does what it is supposed to do, but it's more or less the people than the app.

Jun 27, 2012 10:41:47 AM

Thank you for letting us know, Bill.

My colleague Thomas, who tested the app, didn't seem to have these issues, but then again I don't know whether he tried uninstalling it, seeing as he is a Badoo user.

Again, thanks for sharing your user experience. DId anyone else have similar issues?

Jun 27, 2012 5:51:29 AM

This app is intrusive and injects itself in places where you don't want it. It is not quite malware, but damn close to it. I had a difficult time just uninstalling it; it just did not like being removed and did not go willingly. IMHO it sucks!

Market Comments

A Google User, Apr 18, 2013
I can only send 20 messages unlike MIUMEET where I can send unlimited mesgs.
A Google User, Apr 18, 2013
Cool Just love the chating experience
A Google User, Apr 18, 2013
Good Keep it up
A Google User, Apr 18, 2013
It's ok with me! Cool
A Google User, Apr 18, 2013
Badoo
A Google User, Apr 18, 2013
Nice Good app
A Google User, Apr 18, 2013
Manas soni Hi how r u
A Google User, Apr 18, 2013
Yes I like it
A Google User, Apr 18, 2013
Pretty good Needs better girls lol
A Google User, Apr 18, 2013
Badoo It's good
A Google User, Apr 18, 2013
Very good l love This app ... 1 can now find friends around me . ' rate you 4 stars
A Google User, Apr 18, 2013
Best dating site
A Google User, Apr 18, 2013
Decent Similar to other social sites. Dont care for the restrictions to chat and see admirers though. I'm not one to spend money to socialize.
A Google User, Apr 18, 2013
Cool Is ok
A Google User, Apr 18, 2013
Area sucks It sucks in my area nothing but Mexican here
A Google User, Apr 18, 2013
It has problem connecting...its running very slow when it does, connect please fix it.
A Google User, Apr 18, 2013
Great app
A Google User, Apr 18, 2013
...
A Google User, Apr 18, 2013
good app awesome
A Google User, Apr 18, 2013
Excellent app It really works
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