Facebook launches geo-location app, Places

Emily Banks 0 Tallied Votes 592 Views Share

Facebook announced last night its own location-based "check-in" app -- this being the social-networking site's response to similar applications like FourSquare, Gowalla and Brightkite. The new app, called Places , is available on the iPhone, with the latest version of the Facebook app, and through touch.facebook.com on mobile devices that support HTML 5 and geolocation.

"If you're like me, when you find a place you really like, you want to tell your friends you're there. Maybe it's a new restaurant, a beautiful hiking trail or an amazing live show," Michael Sharon, Facebook product manager for Places, wrote on the Facebook blog Wednesday night. "Starting today, you can immediately tell people about that favorite spot with Facebook Places. You can share where you are and the friends you're with in real time from your mobile device."

Users "check-in" via the iPhone app or touch.facebook.com and hit the "check in" button, which will then provide a list of nearby places. You choose your location from the list and that will become a new story on friends' News Feeds, according to Facebook.

The check-in app also ties in other aspects of Facebook. For instance, users can tag friends, provide status updates or post photos with the check-in. It will also show you a list of other "People Here Now," regardless of whether you're Facebook friends.

"This section is visible for a limited amount of time and only to people who are checked in there. That way you can meet other people who might share your interests," Facebook said.

Users can also opt out of the "People Here Now" section through the privacy control sections.

The app also lets friends check you in places, if you don't opt out of that option. And the app automatically is disabled for minors.

The new product is being rolled out to users in the U.S. throughout the next few days, according to Facebook .

Muhammad Zobair 0 Newbie Poster

Thanks for sharing these information.

2010MAVRIK 0 Light Poster

Hey that's cool info.
I would love to see facebook putting there hand in this.

EdMc 0 Newbie Poster

it's a really nice info, also it helps you to locate nearby stores, restaurants, friends, your family, and great places. I love this feature!

Dani 4,310 The Queen of DaniWeb Administrator Featured Poster Premium Member

The new version of Twitter also puts extra emphasis on location. Wonder if it's a coincidence.

joelchrist -9 Posting Whiz

Good to hear. Thanks for sharing the info.

ArpithaKondala 0 Newbie Poster

Good article!!! I wonder if facebook places can actually beat FourSquare. However I see some sites like http://workplacetalk.com people can use to share gossip at work that are already built on top of facebook places. The advantage facebook has compared to other sites is Huge Huge user base.. Time will only tell who wins!!!

chamoo007 0 Light Poster

wow thats amazing news.. now f.b is using map system as well ... thats another unique feature facebook has added... :) gosh who,s gonna beat this site.. i think no one... :)

judan -4 Newbie Poster

now that was interesting piece of information. thanks .

happygeek 2,411 Most Valuable Poster Team Colleague Featured Poster

Interesting two years ago, yes...

clarie.texas 0 Light Poster

apps apps everyone now launching the applications for the competitive advantages.

Be a part of the DaniWeb community

We're a friendly, industry-focused community of developers, IT pros, digital marketers, and technology enthusiasts meeting, networking, learning, and sharing knowledge.