Last year, ambient-aware mobile app Highlight took the spotlight at SXSW.   Such omniscient apps have ignited a revolution in social media, thanks to the added dimension of mobility.  We’re so impressed with the potential of ambient awareness that we were on the lookout for the next iteration of this trend, enhanced with a layer of intelligence.

Here’s a recap on ambient-intelligent apps that made their mark on SXSW this year.

Speeker

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This app is available for both iOS and Android devices.  It allows you to discover the latest happenings in your current location or near you, share photos and videos to people around you using the same app in real-time, or share those to others who will later pass by.

Zamp

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This app is available for Android users and makes travelling by plane much more exciting.  It’s quite boring to travel alone, especially if you’ll be spending six hours inside a flying vehicle.  It’s awkward to spontaneously start a conversation with stranger at the risk of acting weird and seem like a total loser.

Zamp lets you see other Zamp users the minute you walk in an airport, while also giving you flight information including travel time, flight statistics, lounges, travel trips for your destination, and even leave notes for other travelers   With Zamp, it’s easier to connect with other passengers, talk about travel itineraries, or get some travel tips if it’s your first time in that country.

Tinder

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Finding it hard to meet the right person?  Always getting set up on blind dates by your friends that end up being a complete disaster?  Take control of your “lovelife” with Tinder, an iOS app that lets you find people that interests you, or be found by possibly interesting people, in real-time, right where you’re at.

It’s been around even before SXSW, but it’s gained a bit of buzz at this year’s festival. .  It’s a social networking/date app that lets you find people and “like” him/her, the person won’t know you like him/her unless that person likes you back.  Designed as an ice-breaker, Tinder helpd you circumvent the awkwardness of meeting people.

To find out more interesting developments from  SXSW, check out Kristen Nicole’s commentary on the event’s complex Big Data scene, and a roundup of SXSW’s most innovative products.