Social network Gowalla finds a place on Android

Location-based social networking service Gowalla announced the introduction of a native application optimized for Google's Android mobile operating system--previously, Android users who wished to access the Gowalla experience via Android smartphone were limited to the mobile browser. According to Gowalla, the free app significantly improves on an earlier mobile website targeting Android users, providing additional features as well as more accurate location data.

One of a growing wave of location-centric social networking services alongside Foursquare and Brightkite, Gowalla promises rewards for users who "check in" at participating establishments--so far, consumers have checked in at over 600,000 unique destinations spanning 165 countries. In related news, the startup announced a new agreement with The Travel Channel to integrate the cable network's proprietary content into the Gowalla service--the partnership will initially focus on the fledgling series Food Wars.

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