Social check-in service Gowalla has announced on Thursday the release of new free iPhone and Android apps that include a feature called Social Guides. They include places friends recommend, advice from experts and the best of what’s local in particular cities, parks and other regions. The launch covers 60 cities and shows off photos, highlights and experiences from friends and experts.
In addition to cities, Disney, National Geographic, and the Austin American-Statesman, among others, also contributed more than 20 new guides to National Parks in the US, and Walt Disney World. Users can indicate their fondness for a particular location thanks to the Love button.
The Gowalla team is calling upon its users for help to update other cities and help contribute to the Guides feature.
Other, smaller changes include a revamp of Lists (changed from Trips) and Highlights, both of which are easier to find and add.
The idea of checking in has been renamed to stories as well. Friends can be added and photos and comments can be added together at the same time. The friendship model has also changed to following, just like Twitter, without having to be labeled friends.
