Google ramps up geosocial tools with check-in deals for Latitude

Plenty of Google's social ventures have flopped (used Buzz lately?) but that won't stop the search giant from having one of everything. A new feature will offer a Googly alternative to the local deals services offered by a host of popular apps like Groupon, Gowalla, Foursquare, and Facebook Places. Google's own local deals will come into play through Latitude, a lesser-known social service that is part of Google Maps. Latitude is built into Google's cross-platform mobile app, and allows you to visualize your friends' locations right on the Maps interface.

Now, when you use Latitude to check into a restaurant or store, you might see a special offer or a timely discount pop up. You can unlock special offers the more you check in, as you ascend the ranks to become a "VIP" or a "Guru," Latitude's equivalent of Foursquare's Mayorships. Google's initial partners include some big names like Macy's, RadioShack, and American Eagle, and the list will likely be growing exponentially.

Google's Latitude service has been around for a while, though it hasn't really seemed to catch on to the kind of mass appeal enjoyed by some Google tools. Still, it sounds like the company isn't ready to give up on the service just yet. Just earlier this week, Google updated the its Maps app for Android, enhancing Latitude with a tool for tracking your personal mileage between your home and office.

[Via: Mashable]

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