In case it hasn’t been clear at the events we’ve attended over the past year, I kind of like Foursquare. I first started using it in about October 2009 and have been hooked ever since, due to the combination of gaming, exploration and free stuff. Suffice it to say that I was quite excited when I noticed that there was an update as of this morning to Foursquare 3.0.
Foursquare 3.0 brings three major improvements to the service, with specials and points getting an overhaul as to make the whole thing more exciting and more rewarding. As well as these two, the introduction of a recommendation engine means that you get tailored tips telling you where you should be checking out (or in), depending on what you’re looking for.
However, it’s the continued growth of Foursquare and the amazing brands they’re partnering with that gets me very excited. However, there are still a few things I wish that Foursquare did…
1. Instant Checkin
One of the main problems with Foursquare is how long checking in takes. Depending on what device you have, checking in can sometimes take up to 2 or 3 minutes, and that’s even if you remember to pull your phone out and check in. What would be great (and was hinted at last year) is the ability for your phone to notify you when you’re near somewhere you a) have checked in to before b) based on your activity and your friends activity should check in to or c) can unlock a special.
One of the problems with this at the moment is that GPS technology isn’t quite up to scratch, and also this would drain your battery to within an inch of it’s life. However, I see this as something happening very soon.
2. Easy Checkin
Another similar option is to couple Foursquare up with something like QR codes, where if you scan a QR code you automatically check in to a venue. This would make the whole process of checking in a lot quicker and painless. Another option is pairing the Foursquare API in with things like Oyster cards, where you can check in by tapping a card on a surface. However, it seems that this is exactly what American Express is doing in the US at the moment at SxSW, so I suppose it’s probably only a matter of time.
3. Stalker Protection
A worry that my other half has is that Foursquare gives people the information to stalk you. My suggestion to waylay this fear is to monitor each Foursquare checkin and if one user checks in to 5 places in a row directly after someone else, Foursquare sends an electric shock down the phone, rendering the potential stalker unconscious while they inform the police.
Ok, so maybe that last suggestion wasn’t actually a suggestion, but I think for Foursquare it’s only forward, not backward, upward, not downward… and spinning, spinning, spinning, spinning…
However, a lot of these things I don’t think Foursquare themselves will put in place, so it’s up to you to use the API in new and inventive ways. How about a ‘Bump’ style application where you bump your phone against someone else’s who’s already checked in? What about hooking up an elaborate system so that people can only unlock your door by checking in to your house?
Check out the Foursquare Developer site for some more info on how to develop for Foursquare. Let us know where you’d like to see Foursquare go…
That’s the major downside to Foursquare for me. It is reasonably quick to check-in by pinning the 4sq app to my WP7 home square but it’s still a hassle to get out my phone, load the app, refresh the location, then check in.
It would be cool if when using Bing Maps for directions (would work for google too) a little 4sq pin popped up offering a check-in.
Great idea!
Maybe a proactive dev should have a go at making an app that combines these two. Could be something that makes someone important sit up, listen and go ‘AWESOME IDEA!’ Any takers?