Last September, I wrote a blog post detailing which check-in apps I used, what I checked into, and why. Things have changed a lot in the location-based world since that post, so I thought I'd write an update. I am a check-in all-star.
My 2011 check-in app roster:
1. foursquare
Last year: "I haven't been granted the editing power of "SuperUser" status (yet).... I'm even working on building a local foursquare community to encourage more usage and awareness in my area."
I did become a Superuser and I started Foursquare Corpus Christi. Foursquare is my favorite location-based service and has grown up a lot since last year. They hit 1 billion check-ins last week! They are LBS king. I have become heavily involved and err, somewhat emotionally attached to foursquare. I really like the new direction they are going- with the "explore" feature, deal partners, and lists. They still have a lot room to grow, especially in regards to NFC transactions and their recommendations. I'm excited to see what their future brings. I am the epitome of a foursquare fan girl: currently 1/2 of Foursquare Houston.
2. Gowalla
Last year: "I honestly am not as an avid user of Gowalla as Foursquare..." Yeah, still not. I like Gowalla, I do. I liked their attention to detail. It's pretty. It's from Texas! But.. I don't get it. I'm even sure what to do with it, exactly. This month, Gowalla made it's "mivot," relaunching itself as city guides. While I do think there is a disconnect between the majority of Convention and Visitors Bureaus and the LBS movement, therefore creating a void, I'm not sure if this is the answer. The guides are nice, I guess - a list of popular places with "stories" - Chris at AboutFousquare sums up issues with the new Gowalla nicely after his recent trip to Disney World. Win me over, Gowalla.
3. GetGlue
Last year: GetGlue is addictive... I still check into my tv shows, books, movies, music, etc, almost everyday. It's mostly for myself or whoever is paying attention there (not sure that's anyone). I'm interested in my friend feed, in what entertainment my friends are consuming. It tells me a lot about them, somehow... how they spend their downtime. What do I get out of it? Not much. I've looked at their recommendations - there's been some really great stuff, but I haven't run out and bought anything. I've gotten my stickers (one in the picture above). I've seen some contests and campaigns from brands and this weirdly unlocked "say GetGlue at the register" GAP discount that's going on right now. The DIRECTV partnership announced today is promising. Media companies seem to be extremely interested in advertising with GetGlue because it seems I can get a sticker from just about everything I check into. It's almost ridiculous. I do wonder if Netflix's partnership with Facebook with give more credibility to GetGlue or leave it in the dust. Also, they took the wine I mentioned last year out of the mobile app completely. Dang. I've got tired of checking into both Miso and GetGlue - so I've abandoned Miso.
New apps since last year's post:
4. Untappd
In last year's post, I checked into beer using Beerby. In October 2010, Untappd was launched and after checking into both, I switched over to Untappd after a month or so. Untappd is unique because it's an app on a mobile web platform with a great UX. They have a partnership with foursquare, a well-maintained database, and a lot of awesome badges. They recommend beers I might like to try, I get to see what my friends are drinking where, and I have a record of my alcohol usage online for anyone to see! No, really, I don't care. I love Untappd. NB: the only reason I haven't checked into Untappd in a month is because I've been on a stupid diet. Come Halloween, I'm knocking back some check-ins. EDIT: Breaking news - Untappd launched native apps today - now we have a picture function!
5. Foodspotting
I LOVE Foodspotting. Foodspotting is a picture sharing app where you check-in to dishes at restaurants. I'm a huge fan of foodporn - so I really enjoy sharing dishes and looking for dishes around me. Now that they're partnered with Facebook, I'm sure they'll blow up like they deserve.
6. Bizzy
Bizzy is a check-out app. Sure, a place might be "popular" on foursquare, but does that mean it's good? Not necessarily. When you check out on Bizzy, you easily mark if you Loved, Hated, or if your experience was just OK. You have the ability to comment and add pictures. Bizzy is developing a very smart recommendation engine. They're also working with foursquare so now you get a reminder to check-out. It's super helpful because I wouldn't use it often because I would forget. Bizzy sent me a free t-shirt! Awesome!
I've checked in through Google+ (and formerly Latitude, twice) but it doesn't mean anything. I no longer use SCVNGR, but their new product LevelUp has an amazing concept which I'd be all over if it was available here.
Is there a check-in app you've abandoned in the last year? What is new that you use?
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| 4sqday shirt with a GetGlue sticker |
My 2011 check-in app roster:
1. foursquare
Last year: "I haven't been granted the editing power of "SuperUser" status (yet).... I'm even working on building a local foursquare community to encourage more usage and awareness in my area."
I did become a Superuser and I started Foursquare Corpus Christi. Foursquare is my favorite location-based service and has grown up a lot since last year. They hit 1 billion check-ins last week! They are LBS king. I have become heavily involved and err, somewhat emotionally attached to foursquare. I really like the new direction they are going- with the "explore" feature, deal partners, and lists. They still have a lot room to grow, especially in regards to NFC transactions and their recommendations. I'm excited to see what their future brings. I am the epitome of a foursquare fan girl: currently 1/2 of Foursquare Houston.
2. Gowalla
Last year: "I honestly am not as an avid user of Gowalla as Foursquare..." Yeah, still not. I like Gowalla, I do. I liked their attention to detail. It's pretty. It's from Texas! But.. I don't get it. I'm even sure what to do with it, exactly. This month, Gowalla made it's "mivot," relaunching itself as city guides. While I do think there is a disconnect between the majority of Convention and Visitors Bureaus and the LBS movement, therefore creating a void, I'm not sure if this is the answer. The guides are nice, I guess - a list of popular places with "stories" - Chris at AboutFousquare sums up issues with the new Gowalla nicely after his recent trip to Disney World. Win me over, Gowalla.
3. GetGlue
Last year: GetGlue is addictive... I still check into my tv shows, books, movies, music, etc, almost everyday. It's mostly for myself or whoever is paying attention there (not sure that's anyone). I'm interested in my friend feed, in what entertainment my friends are consuming. It tells me a lot about them, somehow... how they spend their downtime. What do I get out of it? Not much. I've looked at their recommendations - there's been some really great stuff, but I haven't run out and bought anything. I've gotten my stickers (one in the picture above). I've seen some contests and campaigns from brands and this weirdly unlocked "say GetGlue at the register" GAP discount that's going on right now. The DIRECTV partnership announced today is promising. Media companies seem to be extremely interested in advertising with GetGlue because it seems I can get a sticker from just about everything I check into. It's almost ridiculous. I do wonder if Netflix's partnership with Facebook with give more credibility to GetGlue or leave it in the dust. Also, they took the wine I mentioned last year out of the mobile app completely. Dang. I've got tired of checking into both Miso and GetGlue - so I've abandoned Miso.
New apps since last year's post:
4. Untappd
In last year's post, I checked into beer using Beerby. In October 2010, Untappd was launched and after checking into both, I switched over to Untappd after a month or so. Untappd is unique because it's an app on a mobile web platform with a great UX. They have a partnership with foursquare, a well-maintained database, and a lot of awesome badges. They recommend beers I might like to try, I get to see what my friends are drinking where, and I have a record of my alcohol usage online for anyone to see! No, really, I don't care. I love Untappd. NB: the only reason I haven't checked into Untappd in a month is because I've been on a stupid diet. Come Halloween, I'm knocking back some check-ins. EDIT: Breaking news - Untappd launched native apps today - now we have a picture function!
5. Foodspotting
I LOVE Foodspotting. Foodspotting is a picture sharing app where you check-in to dishes at restaurants. I'm a huge fan of foodporn - so I really enjoy sharing dishes and looking for dishes around me. Now that they're partnered with Facebook, I'm sure they'll blow up like they deserve.
6. Bizzy
Bizzy is a check-out app. Sure, a place might be "popular" on foursquare, but does that mean it's good? Not necessarily. When you check out on Bizzy, you easily mark if you Loved, Hated, or if your experience was just OK. You have the ability to comment and add pictures. Bizzy is developing a very smart recommendation engine. They're also working with foursquare so now you get a reminder to check-out. It's super helpful because I wouldn't use it often because I would forget. Bizzy sent me a free t-shirt! Awesome!
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| my blog is just pictures of me in t-shirts |
Is there a check-in app you've abandoned in the last year? What is new that you use?
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