Jambo Networks, the Internet startup that aims to integrate WiFi with social networking, has partnered with MacWorld to bring a whole new WiFi experience to the January 2006 MacWorld Expo this January 9th to 13th, 2006. Jambo, which means “hello” in Swahili, is basically software that lets WiFi-enabled computers search and interact with others within proximity, hopefully resulting in actual human interaction between their owners.

Jambo Networks aims to bring people together based on how their WiFi-enabled gadgets interact. True, we have all grown to be connected individuals, with the popularity of email, instant messaging, and SMS. Ironically, however, with new ways to connect to other people, we tend to forget that a face-to-face meeting is always the best way to interact. We don’t have the same level of sincerity and transparency with each layer of technology we add to our day-to-day communications. Hence, Jambo Networks’ philosophy is helping people find one another through technology.

Imagine that you’re surfing at your favorite WiFi-enabled café or lounge, and your Jambo client suddenly pops up with a message that an online contact whom you’ve never actually met in person is also surfing within your vicinity. Next thing you know, you’ve started a meaningful conversation with your “new” friend over a cup of coffee (or two?).

At the MacWorld Expo, Jambo hopes to help like-minded participants find and get to meet one another. Participants can use Jambo at the conference venue, nearby hotels, airport, and even in-flight–Jambo can be used peer-to-peer. Now that’s WiFi brought to a higher level!