News: Zaarly Launches Real-Time Mobile Marketplace

What do you get when you combine eBay, foursquare, and Craigslist want ads into a single mobile application? A really gnarly mobile bazaar called Zaarly that lets you post wanted products or services based on local proximity and timeliness. It's not a new idea, but it's the first to get it right.

Say your smartphone is on the fritz and you need a replacement fast. You could post a request on Zaarly for the exact make and model of phone, along with the price you're willing to pay and time you need it in. If somebody out there has the phone and are willing to part, they simply respond to your want ad and you take it or leave it. Zaarly helps you get what you want, when you want it, for just the right price. Check out the video to see a better (and more playful) explanation.

Zaarly's a mobile marketplace that puts the buyer in control via a simple and intuitive platform. You can post listings or browse the want ads in your local area from either your computer or mobile device. Currently, it's only available for Apple's iPhone, but it's bound for a near-future release in the Android Market.

It was just unleashed to the world last week, so there's not a whole lot of activity as of yet. I browsed the Los Angeles area and only found ten items posted, the oddest being a humidifier to cool cigars. But it's only a matter of time before the activity grows.

Odd note: Aside from the millions in investor funding, Zaarly is getting the star treatment with Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore providing some major backing.