Google has expanded its Latitude check-in service by partnering with thousands of retailers and shops across the US to offer check-in deals. Android and iPhone users can take advantage, with some places offering discounts, and others a free snack. Much like with Foursquare, users will have to gain status at their favorite places, however, by checking in every time they visit and doing so often.
Their current status can be checked by tapping it to see how far away they are from the next status level. Each of the three status levels can be made to hold higher or different offers from retailers, with the default names set at Regular, VIP or Guru, though retailers can customize them. This feature is not yet available for iPhone users, however. Users will see available and locked offers at each place they check in.
Just some of the partners include American Eagle Outfitters, Quiznos, Macy’s, Arby’s, and Radio Shack with offers ranging from a free sandwich with the purchase of another product to $10 and 20 percent in savings.
Android users need to have the latest version of Google Maps installed and iPhone users need the Latitude App in order to take advantage of these new offers.
