Published via Inbox: 2013-12-09 23:27:26
Foursquare no longer allows users to check in privately with the iOS version of its app. The change was made with the recent 7.0 release and ‘iOS 7 refresh’ last week and appears to be a play to demonstrate the value of its network by making sure check-in data is accessible to users of the product, its API partners and any possible suitors for acquisition.
This decision speaks to Foursquare’s current direction on several levels. First of all, it coincides with the overall shift of the service away from a ‘check-in game’ to a recommendation engine. Removing the private option means that you can no longer use Foursquare as a ‘personal diary’ of visits either. It is firmly a public network of curated locations in the vein of Yelp now.
My Two Cents
This is how Foursquare demonstrates value --- by taking things away from its Users :).
