Atlanta local Ray Abram launches NearbyThis to take on big names in the location-based app game.

The cool thing about location-based apps is that you can find out what’s going on where you’re at. The not-so-cool thing about location-based apps is that they need to access to your information in order to find out what’s going on around where you’re at. Enter NearbyThis, a mobile app that offers realtime listings of nearby places and events pulled from social media postings.

CEO Ray Abram launched the app based on the idea that the more popular services like Groupon, Living Social, Scoutmob and others lack timely information on local events and deals. “NearbyThis helps consumers see what’s going on around them in real time and save money with daily deals by leveraging social media,” said Abram.

In other words, if a local restaurant tweets out a 2 for 1 happy-hour, or a lounge lists the talent line-up, NearbyThis knows about it, and displays it based on your location as it happens. That can prove to be more relevant information of what’s going on now, when most of us need to actually use the information. This also is attractive to business owners who are looking to see a real ROI when using social media. NearbyThis gives businesses more eyes on their Twitter feed as a direct result of NearbyThis users looking for local deals and events. “For retailers, NearbyThis offers the power to have two-way conversations with mobile customers.”

I caught up with Abram at Hub Atlanta, a coworking and networking spot just east of downtown Atlanta, and he gave me a quick tour of the app. The of the things that stuck out to me the most is the fact that you don’t need to actually login to use the app. Just give NearbyThis your location, and it hunts down everything that businesses are talking about in your area. Unlike other location-based apps, other users don’t have to also use the app to get real value either. It’s all based what what businesses are saying about their own events and deals – Yet another reason why if you have a business, you need to be using social media.

Finally, since you don’t have to log-in, the app doesn’t have your information, therefore your email inbox is not bombarded with deals you may or may not use. Near2This is focused on only giving you information when and where you need it.

NearbyThis is a free web service and app for iPhone (Android version coming soon). Be sure to check it out if you need a quick and reliable resource to find out what’s going on near you…sans all the spam in your inbox.