Category: Geolocation Technology

Foursquare to make changes for the new year

| January 6, 2013

Foursquare makes changesFoursquare aims to expand some of its services

Location-based services are becoming more popular for businesses and consumers. These services offer benefits for both parties: Businesses can use geographic information to formulate better marketing strategies and consumers can be rewarded for their loyalty to a specific company by “checking-in” to a location. Checking-in to locations is a trend that has taken the social media space by storm. Foursquare is one of the pioneers of this service in the social sector, and the platform is now taking steps to streamline its location-based services.

Platform aims to streamline its practice

Foursquare has announced changes to its terms and conditions documents, which will take effect on January 28, 2013. The social media platform is looking to better streamline its services for businesses and consumers. For years, Foursquare has been one of the most prominent names in social media marketing and location-based services, but other social networks have begun to encroach upon the platform’s virtual turf. In an effort to stay relevant with consumers and businesses, Foursquare is taking steps to provide better service.

New policies could be of benefit to businesses

One of the changes being made to the platform’s privacy policy involves the names of its users. Foursquare will begin showing the full name of each user across its entire platform, allowing this information to be seen by anyone. Users can, of course, opt out of having their full name displayed without being faced with any penalties in terms of service. Another change involves the check-in history businesses can see. Traditionally, businesses could only view check-ins over the most recent three-hour period. After the changes go live, however, businesses will be able to keep better track of their traffic.

Foursquare manages to stay ahead of the competition, for now

The changes may help businesses provide better rewards for consumers that check-in frequently, while also allowing these businesses to access information that can be used for marketing campaigns. In 2012, Foursquare reported more than 15 million new users and celebrated the 3 billionth check-in. While several other social networks are pushing new location-based services, Foursquare continues to hold a solid lead over its competitors.

SoLoMo report released by Mind Commerce

| January 3, 2013

solomo mind commerce reportMind Commerce publishes new study concerning SoLoMo in the mobile space

Mind Commerce, a leading mobile research firm, has been releasing numerous studies concerning the mobile space recently. One of the latest studies coming from Mind Commerce is the “Social Local Mobile (SoLoMo) Game-Play Behavior in Free2Play, Virtual Goods & Hybrid Ecosystem” report. The 46-page report documents the emerging trends of the Social, Local, and Mobile (SoLoMo) aspect of the mobile world. According to Mind Commerce, SoLoMo is becoming something that businesses and application developers may need to pay more attention to.

Demand for social games and location-based services on the rise

SoLoMo refers to a wide variety of applications that incorporate gaming with social aspects and location-based services. Social games, such as those found on Facebook, that offer content relating to a player’s physical location are a prime example of this concept. Many consumers have become enthralled by such games, largely because of the fact that these games are free-to-play. Mind Commerce suggests that SoLoMo is beginning to approach a place where it can revitalize the mobile gaming ecosystem.

Small companies may establish a strong competitive edge with SoLoMo

As more developers begin to embrace SoLoMo, they may be establishing a strong competitive edge against larger and more established companies. Larger companies may have a wider reach than independent developers, but they are also more likely to conform to traditional forms of engagement and development. Large development studios tends to produce games that do not have social aspects or those that do not include location-based services. While these companies are expected to begin adapting to meet the demands of consumers, smaller companies may have already established a significant head start.

Game industry expected to put focus on SoLoMo in 2013

The SoLoMo study from Mind Commerce is geared for social media companies, location-based service developers, and the game industry in general. These parties are likely to find some benefit in the information they can attain through the SoLoMo study. Focus on SoLoMo is expected to become much more common throughout the game industry in 2013.