Thursday, March 24, 2011

Google Latitude app for iPhone users updated.

WorldWideTech & Science. Francisco De Jesús.



Google has added a check-in capability to the iOS-based version of its Latitude social location app, which it  offers through Apple’s App Store. The same update has already been made to the Android version of the app. 


 Adding check-in capability means users can not just share their location with friends but also reference specific businesses or places of interest, such as a coffee shop or bar.  The check-in feature has been available on the Android version of the app since February. Adding a check-in capability to Latitude makes it more of a competitor to popular Foursquare and Facebook's Places feature.


Google has tried to make checking-in as smooth as possible. Users can be offered a check-in option automatically where they arrive in a location if they choose. Or they can opt to be checked-in automatically at one of their regular haunts. And users can be checked-out automatically on their departure from a location.


As is typical with check-in services, Google’s Latitude offers rewards to enthusiastic users: Regular, VIP and Guru. The company is also running a trial in Austin, Texas, where keen users receive discounted offers with local restaurants, cafes and retailers. 


On the privacy front, Google emphasises that users must actively opt-in to participate in the check-in service. And they can control how widely check-ins are shared. The new version of Latitude in the App Store requires iOS4 and above and is available for iPhone 3G S, iPhone4, iPad, iPod touch (3rd/4th generation) devices. Background location updating is only available for iPhone 3G S, iPhone4 and iPad 3G.


Finally, Google has also boosted the language skills of the Google Places app in the App Store. The local recommendation service is now available in 30 languages. The updated app also allows users to save previous recommendations. 



Description

Google Latitude lets you stay in touch with your friends and family by making it easy to share where you are and see each other on a map. Share your location automatically or check in at specific places to share them with friends and gain status there.

With Latitude, you can:
* New! Check in and gain status at the places you go to share with friends.
* See your friends on a map – find out who’s nearby and meet up.
* Share your location continuously with whomever you choose – help friends and family stay in touch with you, even when you can’t take out your phone.
* Control your privacy – share only city-level location, hide your location, or turn off background updating at any time.

Latitude lets you share your location in the background, even when the app is closed or your device screen is locked. Background updating requires an iPhone 3GS or iPhone 4 with iOS 4 or above.

You can also enjoy Latitude from your computer at google.com/latitude to see where your friends are or turn on optional apps such as Google Location History for a personal history dashboard.


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