The battle to be king of the check-ins is underway.
Mobile social location app Foursquare has inked a significant new deal with TV channel Bravo, just as speculation hots up that it may face rivalry from Facebook in the year ahead.
The deal will enable Foursquare users to win special badges for 'checking in' at locations relevant to Bravo TV shows like The Real Housewives, Top Chef and Shear Genius.
"We saw the Foursquare phenomenon taking off and we wanted to go along with them as they shoot into the mainstream," Bravo's SVP of marketing Ellen Stone tells the New York Times.
Bravo will also run on-air contests to encourage its viewers to sign up to Foursquare, with advertisers also invited to offer coupons for specific locations.
It's a big deal for promotion of the service, and one that could help take it beyond its early adopter users.
Article continues belowAdvertisement
"I don’t think check-ins are a nerd-only experience, says CEO Dennis Crowley. "It’s about sharing content and experiences with others."
So what about that Facebook rivalry? A story on Business Insider claims that the social network is working on its own mobile 'check-in' feature, letting users broadcast their location to friends.
The article suggests that Facebook could "squash Foursquare" due to its resources. However, Foursquare's development of more incentives and interactive features - as well as partnerships with the likes of Bravo - show it's not resting on its laurels.
