Hey, this is cool..I was attempting to create a local chat web application (mobile and regular versions) several months ago, but the reason why I had stopped was the fact that it's hard to make the app seem like it's used if you can only chat with people in your area...So I like the fact that you allow the user to select a location and talk with people other than people just located in your vicinity..it means that a user won't be turned off when no one is available to chat in their area..
Yes but there is still the problem of usage though. Getting people to visit and comeback to any social site is tough these days with the likes of FB and Twitter especially if the ui is ugly like the one I have now atm heh.
That's also true, UI plays a very important role..although the initial FB and Twitter UI's were ugly..as long as the product is solid the UI usually gets better over time and is what drives mass user adoption
I love the intro video that is skippable, I'm going to copy that for my project ;). Maybe you could add the ability to put a picture on your profile, and to make a profile page so you can find out about the people you are chatting with.