Foursquare 3.0 official with exploration, ranks, more deals
updated 02:35 pm EST, Tue March 8, 2011
Foursquare 3 detailed for Android, iPhone
Foursquare as teased has provided details of its 3.0 update. The new version is built to encourage visiting unfamiliar places and now has an Explore tab to recommend locations in certain categories. Aside from quick searches, it also bases the suggestions on the check-in history, what friends are visiting, or the particular time and day of the week.
Users' individual profile pages will show them advice based on their "expertise" with certain locations, such as sushi bars.
The leaderboard has been revamped and provides a better idea of progress towards the mayorship of a given venue. Visitors also get more rewards to move up faster: different sub-categories of restaurants will get points, for example, while groups or reunions will also generate a higher score.
Deals will also be more refined and move past mayors. A discount at a store or restaurant now can apply only to beginners, to regular visitors, or to anyone. Friends checking in together may also get a discount, and very large venues can reward various layers of swarms.
About 18 new badges are coming with the revamp.
The 3.0 update should come to Android and iOS users Tuesday night. Travelers to Austin for the South by Southwest festival will get an extra bonus, as 60 local shops will get discounts if they pay with an American Express card.
