It’s more apparent than ever that mobile apps will inevitably change travel – from accessing a Google map instantly on a BlackBerry to being able to research a restaurant on Yelp before walking in. The application that I have used the most though, and what I believe will make one of the biggest impacts, at least locally, is Foursquare.
If you’re not familiar, Foursquare is a mobile application powered by GPS that lets users “check-in” to various locations. By checking in they can earn points for visiting a place for the first time or for the most times. As they go, badges are unlocked like the “Newbie Badge,” which is pretty self explanatory, and the “Bender Badge” which you earn when you go out four nights in a row.
Foursquare pushes us geeky, blog-loving and tweet obsessed internet addicts to be more social than ever – and I love it. One of the coolest stories I’ve heard was when the Chicago Office of Tourism announced an official partnership with Foursquare, in which they have created a game where locals can download Chicago-based badges, like the “Bueller Badge,” when they “check-in” to certain locations.
According to Tristan Walker, Head of Business Development at Foursquare, “By partnering with a city entity, we’re offering Foursquare players a new angle on discovering the city around them…”
I think the idea of a city engaging with its locals in this way is creative and apparently more cities are catching on. I will definitely be looking out for the day when Boston decides to hop on board, if they ever do.
My other favorite feature of Foursquare is its serendipitous nature. You can allow your “check-ins” push out to your friends in addition to Twitter and Facebook. When your friend is in your same location and you both tweet, your tweet will let you know.
I experienced this at a recent Boston Bloggah Happy Hour…..
I actually arrived early, sat at the bar and when beccajane and Kristen arrived I didn’t even have to turn around to see them sit down. When I “checked-in” it popped up on their phones, I heard them say “Susan is here” and then I turned around and joined them.
Foursquare can also bring friends together when you least expect it…
Last week Susie of We Are Not Martha and I were apparently on a date!
While Foursquare is a bit hard to understand at first, once you dive in, you really can’t deny its addictive powers. For a new badge on my profile and especially for that extra connection with friends, I find myself checking in again and again.
Do you Foursquare? Do you have any fun serendipitous stories?
i love this, and foursquare! =)
why do i always miss these cool boston meet ups?!
i havent got into foursqaure yet but i have a feeling when i return to the states, its gonna become my new addiction.
That’s pretty nifty!
I was so bummed to miss out on the fun.
Next time, I will be there! Even if I don’t have Foursquare!!
and who is going to argue with the ‘mayor of the andover starbucks’?
i LOVED our conversation about ‘checking in’ at the happy hour, because the people who don’t do foursquare think we are completely BONKERS
I should check out Foursquare. I wonder if it works over here too, though. Usually some fabulous apps don’t