Mobile Radio Networks

Admin | December 09, 2011 | Comments Off

Mobile Radio Networks

Mobile Radio Networks

If you want to learn more about your city, location-based check-in applications have been growing in popularity over the last two years. If you've ever wondered why your Facebook feed sometimes has strange messages (like your college roommate has become mayor of Starbucks) or declarations of where they have been, you've probably seen the result of sharing through location-based check-in applications.

Why use them?

  • They're another way to share information with friends, family or even the entire Internet. If you're proud of being at the Washington monument, snap a photo and let people know.
  • You can discover things you never knew about your city. Many of the apps offer recommendations at either the place you checked in to ("try the veal!") or highlight nearby businesses that may be of interest to you ("your friend Bill says the 210 Club has drink specials on Thursdays").
  • You can save money. Many businesses are offering discounts and incentives to customers who check in with one of the major applications. To the business, the chance that you might either frequent their establishment for a discount or advertise to friends and family that you're there through the sharing mechanism makes it worth it for them.

But maybe you already know all about the apps and you just want to know which one to use. Which location-based check-in application you use should depend greatly on where you are and what the local population uses the most. You're looking for a good mix of users (like you!) to get recommendations from and businesses that offer check-in deals, discounts or other incentives.

Foursquare

If you're unsure of which to download, Foursquare is the safest bet with its 7.5 million users, the largest in the check-in app category. Foursquare allows users to check in to a location and leave tips for others.