Each week, getwestlondon writer John Shammas takes you through the must-have apps for your mobile devices.
Welcome to the app which turns your mobile into a one-stop machine for avoiding socially awkward situations.
Cloak, released this week, uses data from your friends on Instagram and Foursquare accounts to map out in real time where they are to ensure that the trip to do the weekly shopping doesn't ever again result in bumping in to an ex or someone you need some time away from.
A gimmick? Yes. But as we marked the 25 years of the Internet this month, we heard a lot about how the world is now more open, transparent and inter-connected.
That's all well and good, but it is also good to know that an app exists to use this wonderful Internet of ours to help you become a total hermit when you feel like it.
One user, posting a review on the iTunes store, said they loved the app, adding: "I use it all the time to avoid my personal acquaintances. For example, if I want to get a bacon cheeseburger at Buddy's Burgers but my ex-wife and kids are there - Now I know!"
Well there is one satisfied customer at least.
This app will only appeal to hardcore Instagram and Foursquare users, and it is not yet Facebook or Twitter compatible which will leave many wannabe recluses having little use for the app.
But it is reassuring to know on those days when you just do not have the energy, there's an app for that.
Cloak is free and available on iTunes for Apple devices.
