Yelp adds check-ins to its iPhone location app

Taking on Foursquare, Gowalla, Rummble, MyTown and the rest...

Travel app Yelp has launched version 4.0.0 of its iPhone application (App Store link), with a new feature allowing users to 'check in' to locations to let their friends know where they are.

Sounds familiar? Checking in is becoming the standard phrase used in social location apps, including Foursquare, Gowalla, Rummble and MyTown.

However, Yelp doing it is quite a big deal. The app has 1.25 million users already, making it by far the largest iPhone app to offer check-ins. Last week, MyTown developer Booyah said its app has 450,000 registered users - "more than double Foursquare and Gowalla combined".

Yelp certainly seems to have been watching the buzz around Foursquare recently. Another new feature is the ability to be designated a 'Regular' for checking into a business or venue often enough - a less exclusive equivalent of Foursquare's Mayors.

The new version of Yelp also lets users see full profiles, and has a 'Monocle' augmented reality mode that includes a "magical floating map of the area around you". Check-ins and tips can also be publicised on Facebook and Twitter.