Updated foursquare apps remind users to check in to keep the data flowing
In foursquare CEO Dennis Crowley’s talk with Om Malik last week, he reiterated that foursquare is primarily a recommendations service, with the social part being ancillary to the main goal. Their spot-on recommendations, though, are based on 2.5 billion check-ins are require a steady stream of check-in data to remain accurate. Foursquare has to strike the right balance between search and social to keep the data flowing.
To that end, the new versions for iOS and Android that launched yesterday includes a new box on the friends tab that reminds users to check in. If it detects a nearby place you’re likely to be, it asks if you’d like to check in there. A single tap takes you directly to the compose screen, where a check-in is just another tap away.
In my tests, the reminders have been spot on, knowing where I was likely to check in, even in a strip mall with a bunch of stores I visit regularly. Since it saves a few taps in the check-in process, it should making checking in even less painful than it already is.
The reminder does cover your most recent check-in on the friends tab, but can be cleared by tapping the “x” on the right side of the box, at which point you can access your check-in or add photos.
This change joins the list of moves foursquare has been making lately aimed at increasing engagement and content generated by users. The old point notification saying “every check-in counts,” for instance, has been removed. It was replaced with an assortment of new notifications, including “Check Explore for ideas for later?”, “Leave a tip?”, and ”Save this place to a list?” Tip reminders also began appearing in the friends tab lately, as well.
What do you think of the change?
