Loopt rolls out micro-reviews for local destinations

Location-based social mapping service Loopt unveiled Qs--local micro-reviews that enable users to access insider information on nearby businesses in real time. According to Loopt, Qs results are written by a community team with intimate knowledge of a given area and presented like poll findings, identifying benefits and under-the-radar perks of a location--for example, off-the-menu entrées, specialty cocktails or the shortest bathroom lines. In addition to seeking information, users may also contribute to the conversation, answering brief questions about their current location--all responses are viewable via location-based stream running on the Loopt app homescreen. Consumers may also share Qs information across Facebook and Twitter.

Last month, Loopt introduced Reward Alerts, a program enabling brands and local businesses to offer limited-time and perishable-inventory deals to area consumers. Integrated into Loopt's free iOS and Android applications, Reward Alerts formally launched in conjunction with the annual South by Southwest conference in Austin, Texas--the startup teamed with brands including Fox Broadcasting, Southwest Airlines, Microsoft and Altec Lansing, giving out $45,000 in rewards.

Loopt launched version 4.0 of its mobile app in late 2010, introducing a series of new features promising to more effectively leverage smartphone communication and discovery capabilities. Chief among the Loopt 4.0 enhancements are location-sharing options designed to simplify the check-in process. Users can now turn on background location sharing to constantly update close friends and family on their whereabouts, even if the Loopt app isn't open--others see your location only after formal check-in. Loopt also unveiled Ping, touted as an all-encompassing, location-based text message, as well as Notifications (an activity feed spotlighting nearby places your friends like to visit) and Places, a button that incorporates check-in functionality along with new friend- and place-finding tools.

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