Foursquare updates Android app to give users more recommendations

After making it easier for Android users to find the best stuff in their vicinity quickly, Foursquare has updated its Android app to give users more recommendations, as soon as they launch the app.

With the updated app, the next time users are in a new city or neighborhood, they will be able to see popular places, sites and other attractions. When in their own locality, the app will inform them about the newly-opened places. Say, you’re just out of a movie theatre and are looking for someplace to eat, the updated app will show you restaurants that others typically go after a movie. Those looking for something in particular can type what they’re looking for in the search bar. Those keen on trying the app can head to the Google Play store to download it. 

After noting that people were increasingly using the app to search for places to visit, Foursquare said it built a smoother search experience. The “Explore” option was moved to the top of the homescreen to allow users to find a place instantly. All the users have to do is tap the search bar and input search words such as “nachos”, “Mexican” or “margaritas”, or look through categories such as coffee, food and nightlife. 

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Those unsure of what they’re looking for can still find Foursquare’s top picks for interesting places located in the area by choosing the “Best Nearby” option. Now when users open the Foursquare app, they will see a map at the top that shows friends who have checked in nearby, in addition to those present at other places of their choice. Zoom out of the map to look around to find more friends. Furthermore, Foursquare has moved the “Nearby Friends” option to the top of the stream so users can know who is in their vicinity. 

Another addition to the app is the “Drawer” option. It replaces the three tabs at the bottom of the user interface. Users can tap the top left corner of the screen and view their profiles, lists and settings. 

Foursquare lets users share information with friends who do not have the app installed on their phones. When you tweet about a place or post on Facebook, email or text about it with friends who do not have access to the app, they will instead be linked to a new page showing the most important details about that page. In an official blog post, Foursquare confirmed that this new page has been designed such that great tips and photos are all highlighted. These also include other details such as the address, phone number and other details.

The Foursquare blog read, “Foursquare has tons of helpful information about places, like photos, menu items, and great tips from insiders and local experts. Now, it’s even easier to share that information with your friends.”