Foursquare has recently launched its revamped mobile app that tracks user data based on location to provide them with some effective information about their environment. Check out what the new Foursquare app offers for its users.
Appearance
Foursquare app users can now make use of fresh features included in the latest update. The updated app has done away with the previous ‘check-in’ feature that was used for visits to famous places by users. The popular blue button for badge earning has been removed and users can now leave tips about their visited places.
Users are sent push notifications about different bars and restaurants by the app, based on places they have visited. The most important change in the app is that the tracking of user location is now done automatically, even when the app is closed. Many users may find it annoying due to privacy concerns.
Performance
The updated Foursquare app can track user location and movement effectively through their phone’s GPS. There is no need for the app to remain open, or for the user to “check-in” manually at a certain place. Users can opt out of location tracking by changing their app settings. While the performance of this app has improved, users may not be too willing to let themselves tracked all the time or share their data with third parties.
Ease of use
While it is not complex to use this app, there can be some issues while using the app itself. Even when you interact with a place, the app will track it as a visit. If you are simply writing a tip for a place, then the app will infer that as a real visit. This can also bring you suggestions that are not really required by you.
Usefulness
Although this app performs persistent location tracking, you still receive useful information about the places you could visit and tips when you are actually present at that place. Now, it is up to a user to decide whether they are okay with that tradeoff.
Reputation
Foursquare has updated this app as a part of their fresh business model. The company will constantly collect user location data and share it with third parties to earn revenue. It still claims to provide valuable information to users in return for this data. Additionally, Foursquare claims that the data shared will be anonymous and would not reveal identity of the user. Even though this step will bring better returns for the company, it still needs to be seen how users react to the updated app and how the company manages to use its reputation to convince them.
