Foursquare Rolls Out Real-Time Local Recommendations to iOS Users

Foursquare rolled out its real-time recommendation feature to a limited set of iPhone users today.

The updated version of the iOS app asks users to run the app in the background of their phone. The app then pushes tips to users when they walk into a new business.

The user might see a top-rated dish pop up when they enter a new restaurant or a bar to visit after arriving in a new city.  The suggestions come from Foursquare users and businesses.

Similar to the feature debut on Android last month, not all iOS users will have immediate access to the new feature.

Foursquare’s new feature is competing with a batch of local travel startups like discovery app Spindle, which was bought by Twitter, as well as larger players like Google’s location-based Field Trip app.

Although each have different strategies and content sources, the goal of helping locals and travelers have more authentic and informed experiences in new places remains the same.