Gowalla, the popular geosocial network, has released version 3 of its iPhone app, an update that not only includes an improved interface and new features, but deeply integrates the app with Foursquare, its bigger and better-known rival.
Gowalla 3 is focused on reducing the barriers to checking in, improving the visuals of the interface, and adding new tools to make checking in more fun and useful. It makes its debut in the iPhone app store today and on other mobile devices in early 2011, starting with the Android.
It is the company’s decision to integrate Gowalla with Foursquare, its rival in geolocation, that will capture all of the headlines, though. The Foursquare integration has two key components. First, Gowalla now lets you broadcast your checkins on not only its app, but Twitter, Tumblr, Facebook Places and Foursquare as well. Gowalla even lets you earn Foursquare badges and Facebook Deals through the iPhone app. As an added bonus, Gowalla also pulls in Foursquare Tips whenever you check in.
The second component of the Foursquare integration is just as impressive, though. Gowalla has created a new Universal Activity Feed, an aggregated stream of checkins coming from Foursquare, Gowalla and Facebook Places. Instead of opening up multiple apps to see where you’re friends are hanging out, you can see all of their geosocial activity from one interface.
Gowalla 3 has other new features, as well. It has added better Retina Display support, moved the checkin button into a more prominent location, added photos to the Activity Feed, and bookmarking for keeping track of your favorite locations. There is also a new feature called Notes that lets you leave short messages for your friends as specific locations the next time they check in. Unlike Foursquare Tips, each Gowalla Note is only meant for one person, which makes leaving a cute note for your boyfriend or girlfriend at your favorite spot a far more intimate experience.
What Will Foursquare Do?
Gowalla CEO Josh Williams explained to Mashable that the company’s future is as a “socially curated guidebook.” It’s not focusing on delivering deals (there are many ways to get deals, from coupons to group buying) or providing elaborate game mechanics. Instead, it wants to help users discover locations through useful information delivered in a fun way. The geolocation startup is trying to solve the problem of how to get a smile on a person’s face every time they check in. It even wants to making checking in to the same location (say a coffee shop) a unique experience each time.
The new Gowalla isn’t a radical reinvention of the service; it still has checkins, an elegant design and the same Trips and Stamps that have helped it cultivate an active userbase. However, its decision to add Foursquare positions Gowalla as the richest universal checkin app on the market.
Gowalla did not work with Foursquare on this integration; it was all done through the API. That leaves the real possibility that Foursquare could throw a big wrench into Gowalla’s plans by blocking its rival’s use of the API. The threat posed by Gowalla 3 is real; that alone could force Foursquare’s hand in the name of competition. It would also create a firestorm of controversy.
The ball is now in Foursquare’s court. Will they let Gowalla use its API, despite the potential damage it could cause its business? Will it block Gowalla, potentially igniting a developer and anti-competitive controversy? Could it even turn the tables by adding Gowalla integration into its app?
Gowalla has thrown down the gauntlet. It’s Foursquare’s move now.
More About: checkin, facebook, Facebook Places, foursquare, geolocation, gowalla
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