Foursquare for Windows Phone 8.1: Revamped for you and Lumia
Foursquare, the popular search and discovery app for finding the best places to go to, just revamped its design and functionality to make it easier for you to find places you’ll love.
I just found a great new place for happy hour, a cozy open-air bar with artisanal cocktails. You know who told me?
The free app for Windows Phone 8.1 has just undergone a major overhaul to make it easier to find restaurants, shops, concert venues, and other places that you’ll love.
You no longer need to “check in” as with the previous version of Foursquare. That function now lives at Swarm, Foursquare’s partner app that uses location-tracking to help you find and plan fun things to do with your friends. (Check out our story about Swarm.)
Sign in with Facebook or your email address and password. Then start adding things you like to personalize your Foursquare experience. For example, some of the interests I chose were “espresso drinks,” “spicy food” and “sushi.” The more Foursquare knows what you like, the better it chooses the places you may want to visit.
You can sort by price, distance and review ratings and further narrow your search via filters such as outdoor seating, specials, and Wi-Fi access and categories such as breakfast spots, diners and wineries. You can even drill down further by choosing options such as “good for working” or “good for a quick meal.”
Foursquare uses your Lumia’s background location to help you find great places, no matter whether you’re near home or halfway across the country. Of course, you can change this option at any time in the app’s settings.
Spread the good word
If you like a place, give a rating (e.g. “love it,” “it’s OK”) and leave a tip (“Best Pad Thai ever.”) You can also help out other Foursquare users by adding information, such as whether the coffee shop on the corner offers parking and Wi-Fi, or whether your local tapas restaurant is family-friendly.
In addition, you can share your favorite Foursquare finds through Facebook and Twitter, as well as follow friends to see their tips. So if your stylish cousin from Manhattan is on Foursquare, make sure you follow her to learn the best places to shop the next time you’re in the Big Apple!
Do you have the new Foursquare? Have you discovered some great new places as a result?