Gowalla
by Antonio Wells
Mar 23, 2010 6:00 AM –
Install
Gowalla is the easiest way to share places you go with friends. Download the app to discover eateries, coffeehouses, hotspots, hangouts, shops, landmarks, parks, museums and more. Share your experiences through Gowalla with friends on Facebook and Twitter, then stamp your passport to earn rewards at the places you visit.
Price: Free
AndroidTapp.com Android App Review:
Pros & Cons:
Pros
- Trendy new social sharing service that records the places you check-in (visit)
- Passport feature holds your Stamps, Pins, Friends list, and Items you carry
- Share check-in status on Facebook and Twitter
- Features “Nearby Trips”
Cons
- Long delay when recognizing places via GPS
- Some places don’t populate in the list
- Battery drainer if left open
- Could have potential safety risks broadcasting you exact location with date/time (use responsibly)
Features:
Gowalla Android App is new social sharing tool to record the places you visit called “Check-Ins” for iPhone and Android. Easily invite friends from Facebook, Twitter, Gmail, Yahoo, Windows Live, email or search Gowalla. Features “Nearby Trips” which are predetermined recommended destinations the Gowalla community can create and visit. I like this feature! Chicago is know for it’s amazing architecture and one user created a “Frank Lloyd Wright Tour” showcasing some of Mr. Wright’s historic works along the tour to visit. Another fun addition to the app is the Items you can find or drop off at a place you visit; like Boots, Espressos, Books, etc (just a neat way to make using the app interesting).
Very similar to Foursquare, it will be interesting to watch these two start-ups. Also see how they prevail with Google, Twitter, Facebook muscling into their space.
Services like Gowalla and Foursquare actually add a serious value for local businesses, local business aggregators, and marketers. It can be seen in action on Gowalla’s website with their “Featured Spots” highlighting local business with a profile page, users whom checked in, photos, website link, directions and more.
Video: Gowalla
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3qroyZqcPDc
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Gowalla Activity
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Gowalla Spots
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Gowalla Trips
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Gowalla Passport
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Gowalla Add Spot
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Gowalla Add Spot Categories
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Gowalla Find Friends
Usefulness:
Great use case if you’re out on the town and your friends happen to be out too in your vicinity, every one is using Gowalla, they can see where you are and possibly come join you. Not really useful but it’s the next hot thing in social networking.
Ease of Use:
Using Gowalla with errands or trying the Nearby Trips feature is a good way to dive into the app.
Gripe Alert: I experienced the worst user experience with Gowalla than Foursquare. Many places simply did not populate in the list. At the time of review Gowalla didn’t have the feature to add new spots (with the latest update it does). Be sure to close the app (or go to Home screen) as the app will continue run GPS which will drain your battery.
Frequently Used:
It’s intended for use whenever you’re filling the need to share your location with friends.
Interface:
The user interface is optimized for mobile. However I’m jealous of the iPhone UI trumps the Android version… but it’s still slick.