Launches with The Gap, Burger King, Starbucks and Universal Music Group.
Mobile location firm Loopt has launched a new iPhone app called Loopt Star, which lets people get real-world rewards for checking-in at popular venues.
The app, which is being touted as a 'mobile rewards game', takes the Foursquare check-in model and ties big brands and retailers in to provide the rewards.
Users can get coupons and achievements by checking in alone or with friends, while brands and retailers can choose to specify the conditions - from checking in at a certain time of day, through to bringing a few friends with them.
The app uses Facebook Connect to tap into people's networks of friends.
Five partners are on board at launch: The Gap, Burger King, Universal Music Group, Stanford University and Starbucks.
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People who check-in to The Gap twice get a 25% discount for their next visit, while Starbucks will name an 'Honorary Barista' for each outlet - the person who checks-in using Loopt Star the most.
Meanwhile, Burger King is offering free coffees and sodas to people who check-in three times to outlets in and around New York, while UMG is offering free MP3 downloads to people who check-in at qualifying bars.
The launch of the app is a broadside against rivals who are signing their own brand and retailer deals: for example Foursquare and Starbucks, or MyTown and H&M.
Loopt Star is also live in advance of US startup Shopkick's new app, due to launch this summer, which aims to bring a social location spin to real-world shopping.
