Check-ins

Software
January 31, 2011
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Former Google, MTV engineers cook up IntoNow – Foursquare meets Shazam for TV fans

By on January 31, 2011 at 6:03 PM.

Former Google, MTV engineers cook up IntoNow – Foursquare meets Shazam for TV fans

If there’s one thing we love here in the good ol’ U. S. of A., it’s television — so it stands to reason that various companies have had a go at TV-based social networks and other trendy services that tie America’s love of television in with America’s love of social networks. To date, none have been overly successful, but that may soon change with the launch of a new iOS app called IntoNow. Comprised of engineers formerly with Google, MTV Networks and IDEO, Palo Alto-based IntoNow on Monday launched an app and network combination bearing the same name. After having played with it for a while this past weekend, we have to say we’re intrigued. More →

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mobile
December 13, 2010
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Google Latitude for iOS hits the App Store

By on December 13, 2010 at 11:02 AM.

Google Latitude for iOS hits the App Store

Remember Google Latitude — Google’s location-based social network that allows users to easily share their locations with friends? Yeah, neither did we… at least not until Google’s new iOS app popped up over the weekend. Google Latitude is half-baked at best, though we imagine once Google launches a social network that doesn’t flop, Latitude will probably be folded in to add the LBS element. For the time being, all the service really does is share your location with friends (and Google’s data bank). No added value, no special features — just location sharing. The app supports background updating as well, so if you’d like to trade battery life for the ability to be stalked with alarming accuracy, Latitude is good for that as well. Google Latitude for iOS is available immediately in the App Store, and is compatible with the iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, iPad and iPod touch (third and fourth generations). More →

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mobile
December 2, 2010
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Gowalla iPhone app adds check-in support Foursquare, Facebook, more

By on December 2, 2010 at 10:11 PM.

Gowalla iPhone app adds check-in support Foursquare, Facebook, more

If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em. As the mobile check-in game get more popular — and thus, more annoying — with each passing day, the new breed of LBS services must find new ways to fight for users. But can’t they all just get along? Gowalla seems to think so, and with its newly updated iOS application, the company hopes to keep users immersed by removing the need to switch apps if they choose to check-in with multiple services. Gowalla 3.0 allows users to irritate their friends like never before by allowing them to check into Gowalla, Foursquare, Facebook, Twitter and Tumblr simultaneously. Other additions in version 3 include better Retina Display support, a tweaked UI and bookmark support for visited places. Gowalla might not be the biggest LBS in the bunch, but by unifying the check-in process it hopes to become a one-stop shop that will simplify check-ins for active users. More →

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Retail
October 26, 2010
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Apple adds iOS Concierge service for Apple Store check-ins [Updated]

By on October 26, 2010 at 11:35 AM.

Apple adds iOS Concierge service for Apple Store check-ins [Updated]


Like Foursqure, Apple’s new app update will allow users to perform location based check-ins. Unlike Foursquare, Apple’s new app will actually be useful. The service in question, dubbed Concierge, allows iOS users to wirelessly check in at Apple Store locations and enter into a queue for service. Concierge is a dedicated app on Apple Store employee devices, while the service has been added to Apple’s already available Apple Store app for customers. Customers will receive push notifications asking if they would like to check in upon entering an Apple Store location. The service then provides information such as wait time and position in queue. While Concierge won’t do much to shorten wait times at Apple’s crowded retail store, at least iOS users will now get a better idea of what they’re in for. More →

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General
September 14, 2010
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Nokia updating Ovi Maps with traffic, public transportation, and check-ins

By on September 14, 2010 at 10:53 AM.

Nokia updating Ovi Maps with traffic, public transportation, and check-ins

Aside from announcing the C6-01, C7, and E7, Nokia also announced some added features to their Ovi Maps application today at Nokia World. The new, improved Ovi Maps will offer, live traffic flow information, a new drive assist mode, public transportation maps, a redesigned places page, and social check-ins. The public transportation maps will be available via a map layer for over 80 cities around the world and check-ins will allow you to broadcast your location via SMS or to your social network of choice. We’ve got a video demoing the new check-in feature after the break, but we have to warn you… the lame-factor of the video is way up there. More →

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