Does the Location Based Service Foursquare Get More Popular than Twitter?

Overview:

Foursquare is a web and mobile application that allows registered users to connect with friends and update their location. Points are awarded on weekends and non-business hours for “checking in” at venues. When the user logs in , they have a choice to update the Twitter or Facebook account. The service started in 2009  with 100 major cities and is currently available from any location worldwide.Foursquare is averaging about 500 Twitter posts per hour with peaks as high as 1,329 posts per hour in this year SXSW conference at Austin, Texas. The software is compatible with iPhone, Android, Palm, WebOS, Blackberry and Windows Mobile.

How it works:

The system is based on “Check in” information. When you check in at bars , nightspot or any other new location, send a little message about where you are or what you are doing. You can also add additional information about your favorite food or beer to your favorite hangouts. The system will register that information and all of your friends will get a pinged message which will give them your whereabouts and activities. You can also create a to-do-list of places you’ve always wanted to go and add your Top 12  recommended list for other people. The idea behind is that your friends will be able to join you at the party or other hotspot or just they are content with what you are doing.

Game and Competition part:

Foursquare is also interesting from different standpoint. Unlike other location based apps, it gives you reward for checking in when you arrive at a new location.You not only get points, you also receive badges for special achievements. Some of those, like being the ‘mayor’ of a certain place  are only given to one user at a time and that generates tight local competition.