Tag: location-based services

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.

Mind Commerce report highlights emerging trends in mobile space

| January 4, 2013

Mind Commerce ReportMind Commerce publishes new report on mobile opportunities

Mind Commerce, a leading market research and consulting firm focused on the mobile sector, has released a new study concerning the development emerging in the mobile device market and the trends seen in smart phones and tablet computing. Mobile devices have become an integral part of the lives of consumers all over the world. As these devices become more advanced, consumers are relying on them more heavily in their daily lives. The Mind Commerce study aims to shed some light on the trends that are emerging in the mobile field and how companies and consumers are responding to these trends.

Study draws upon information from wide range of reports

The study, titled “Wireless/Mobile Devices and Applications: Solutions and Market Opportunities,” highlights numerous trends that exist in the mobile market. The study itself is comprised of a wide variety of reports coming from Mind Commerce itself, as well as other sources. The study focuses on several sectors within the overarching mobile space and identifies some of the emerging trends therein that may represent significant opportunities for companies.

Mobile gaming and marketing highlighted in study

One of the aspects of the mobile space covered in the Mind Commerce report is mobile gaming. Mobile gaming is quickly becoming an integral part of the mobile experience. Gaming applications represent a major source of entertainment for consumers, many of whom are willing to spend significant amounts of money to get the kind of games they are interested in. Beyond mobile gaming, mobile marketing is seeing new trends emerge in location-based services offered through social media platforms, such as Facebook and Foursquare.

Professionals could benefit from information contained in study

The study from Mind Commerce offers a variety of information concerning these trends, much of which is targeted toward mobile network operators, mobile application developers, infrastructure providers, and mobile device manufacturers. This information could help these parties develop better strategies to engage consumers around the world by taking advantage of the trends that are emerging in the mobile space.