Microsoft has begun adding Foursquare check-ins and badges to its Bing Maps service. The software giant is keen to work with as many partners as possible in its quest to catch up with Google.
Mapping out its future
The deal is likely to benefit Foursquare too as it's striving to gain even more mainstream exposure by appearing on as many platforms and services as possible.
"The Foursquare map app is a powerful combination of the spatial canvas that Bing Maps provides, combined with Foursquares user reputation service ability to see who has unlocked specific badges, where and who has been crowned mayor of certain locations making it easier to explore any city in the world as if you were a local," Microsoft said on its Bing community blog.
The news follows a similar link-up revealed as a result of a demo of Foursquare's Windows Phone 7 app.
Shown within screenshots, the Windows Phone 7 Foursquare app will use Bing Maps to show check-in hotspots within the surrounding area.
Check-in and cheque out
But rather than simply giving Foursquare a valuable push in its tussle with MyTown, Gowalla, Brightkite and scores of other LBS apps, Microsoft believes the deal will also give Bing Maps a practical advantage over its own rivals.
"Let's say you're travelling to New York City for the week, but you dont know whats hot in Greenwich Village. Selecting the Foursquare map app in Bing Maps, and zooming into to Greenwich Village will get you tips that show you what locals are saying about the hot spots in that area," Microsoft added.
"It's like an interactive day planner, designed to help find the best things to do in that area. And if you have questions, you can always contact users through Foursquare to get the inside scoop."
[source: mocoNews]
