Parlor.fm Voice-Based Social Network Prepares to Launch at TechCrunch Disrupt

Online, May 10, 2011 (Newswire.com) - Following a successful round of beta testing, voice-based social network Parlor.fm is preparing for public launch at TechCrunch Disrupt on May 23 through May 25, 2011, at Pier 94 in New York, N.Y. The launch will showcase Parlor's revolutionary mobile platform and new, streamlined design, available for immediate free download on Android and iPhone, with native apps for BlackBerry and Windows Mobile devices in the approval process.

Parlor will also launch a web version for the event, which will be accessible through any mobile device with no download required. In the weeks leading up to the event, users are encouraged to visit http://parlor.fm to reserve their Parlor usernames.

"Parlor is a unique, voice-based social network featuring an array of interconnected mini-apps to suit a variety of business and social purposes. We're integrating the quality and intimacy of voice communication with the high-speed connectivity of the digital world. In short, we're trying to put the voice back into social and business networking," said Joel Schwartz, CEO of Parlor.

Harnessing the power of VoIP communications, Parlor offers voice-based chat rooms for users with common interests, money-saving conference calling for businesses, and innovative, broadcast calling allowing hosts to communicate with queued lines of callers. Parlor connects these voice-based portals to the social sphere with a comprehensive global search feature, multifaceted user profiles, and public or private journal updates.

Parlor's Chat feature allows users to connect with both friends and new contacts over common interests such as Sports, Business and Dating. Callers can dial in to Chat rooms using direct access numbers, protecting the privacy of their personal phone numbers.

Parlor offers a secure, pressure-free environment, allowing users to end conversations and connect to the next queued caller by pressing "#," in addition to rating and reporting callers while still preserving anonymity. To follow up on previous conversations, users need only to consult their Parlor call logs.

Ideal for business users, Parlor's Conference application provides free group calling for up to 20 users at a time. There are no complicated numbers to dial; a Parlor user can simply select a group of callers to invite, and each will receive a simple, "PIN-less" access number for the call.

Parlor takes its voice-based Platform to a new level with the Broadcast application, a must-have for radio DJs, call-in shows, question and answer sessions, and even earnings calls with shareholders. With Broadcast, users listening to a call can get in line to speak to the host when they have a question or comment, allowing hosts to interact with audiences one caller at a time.

To support these voice features, Parlor offers a rich social interface, beginning with comprehensive user profiles that can be displayed using a variety of privacy settings. Each profile consists of four sections: Personal information, including an individual's relationships and family members; Work details featuring employer information, business specialties, and more; Sales & Services, where users can promote freelance services, side projects and other offers, including volunteer work; and Free Advice, a place for individuals to offer their expertise in any area, in addition to linking to outside blogs and sites.

Along with profiles, the Parlor Journal feature enables users to keep a public or private record of their activities, posting messages, notes, and links. On its own, the Journal application offers the sharing prominent in many popular social networks; as a part of the Parlor social space, the app accomplishes this and more, helping users find and be found by link-minded individuals for friendships and business opportunities, all backed by voice communication.

Unifying all of the above, the Parlor Search function makes for global possibilities, as it encompasses the entire Parlor network, from profiles and journals to chat room descriptions and business coupons. Users looking to find a date, a job, a place to eat, or a new band to listen to will all be in luck with Parlor Search.

To reserve your Parlor username or sign up for the Parlor email list, visit http://parlor.fm.

About Parlor.fm

A new kind of social network, Parlor.fm provides a safe, multifaceted environment for users to talk to friends and new contacts, conduct business, share interests, hunt for deals, and promote themselves online. Parlor offers a dynamic social space backed by VoIP technology and variety of interconnected mobile applications. Parlor is available for free on Android and iPhone devices, with BlackBerry and Windows Mobile versions coming soon.

About TechCrunch Disrupt

TechCrunch Disrupt NYC 2011(http://disrupt.techcrunch.com) is TechCrunch's second annual conference in New York City attracting over 1,500 leading technology innovators and investors and over 150 new startups. The format combines top thought-leader discussions with new product and company launches. Morning executive discussions debate the most timely disruptions in media, advertising and technology. Afternoons host the Startup Battlefield where 25 new companies will launch for the first time on stage, selected to present from more than 500 applications received from around the world. Another 100 early-stage startups will exhibit in Startup Alley. TechCrunch will award a $50,000 grand prize along with other award recognitions at the conclusion of the conference. The conference is May 23-25, 2011, at Pier 94 located at 711 12th Avenue (at 55th Street & West Side Hwy) in Midtown New York.

TechCrunch (www.techcrunch.com) is a leading technology media network dedicated to obsessively profiling and reviewing new Internet products and companies. Founded by Michael Arrington in 2005, TechCrunch and its network of websites reach over 13 million unique visitors and more than 30 million page views per month. TechCrunch was acquired by AOL in 2011 and operates a global network of websites including dedicated properties in Europe and Japan, as well as specialized industry websites including MobileCrunch, CrunchGear, GreenTech, TechCrunchIT, and CrunchBase. TechCrunch's CrunchBase is the leading open database about startup companies, people, and investors. In addition to TechCrunch Disrupt, TechCrunch hosts other conferences and events, including the Crunchies Awards (http://crunchies2010.techcrunch.com) and various meet-ups worldwide, serving as community platforms for industry conversation and collaboration.