CheckIn+ for iPhone – Review
Category: Social Networking
Price: Free
TiP Rating: 4/5
Release Date: July 11, 2011
Current Version: 1.2
Seller: SHAPE Services GmbH
Rated: 4+
Requirements: Compatible with iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPad 2 with wi-fi, iPad 2 with wi-fi + 3G. Requires iOS 4.1 or later.
Link to app
App Store Description: This is free ad-supported version of CheckIn+, you can also get ad-free CheckIn Pro. CheckIn+ is your ultimate social travel guide. Discover the world around you and share your highlights at local bars, parks, venues, and more. Whether you are looking for a great restaurant or your favorite brand shop, Checkin+ will help you to easily find a place according to your preferences.
Summary: CheckIn+ gives you the power to check-in on multiple geolocation services. Once you linked up with Facebook and Foursquare you may simultaneously check in to each service.
Review: So often I see friends check into a location on Foursquare, then tweet it out or share on their Facebook feed, only to check into Facebook Places seconds later. While CheckIn+ won’t stop them from double or triple check-ins, it will make their lives a bit easier allowing them to check into their favorite places, with multiple services, at the same time. Users can connect both their Foursquare and Facebook accounts.
When viewing the map, you can choose to see places or friends nearby. If you’re looking for something specific, there is a search option. Through Foursquare, you can add a place if it doesn’t already exist. Tapping on location will open up a display with some more information, including the mayor and who is currently checked in there.
What’s interesting about the map is that is based on augmented reality technology. It overlays current surroundings with places from major geolocation services. This allows users to see destinations relative to the real world. If you’re holding your phone horizontally and begin to turn it, the compass will adjust so the map reflects the direction you’re facing. You can also switch it to street view so you get an accurate display of your surroundings. If you move your phone upward so it’s vertical, the backdrop will be replaced with what your phone is looking at. For example, a pink wall or Times Square.
The map and multiple check-ins are the meat of the app, but users can also share photos of their favorite places, as well as leave comments or tips for friends. Tapping on the feed icon will open up a friend activity stream so you can see where their last checkin was.
The app appeared to run a little slow here and there, but it could have been my connection. Otherwise, it’s been a very smooth experience and I’d recommend it to anyone who digs geolocation. Of course, I hope they add other services to their list, specifically Gowalla. The augmented reality feature is pretty neat. Check it out in action below.
