Google appears to be adding a level of gamification to its location-sharing app, Google Latitude, which could help the service compete with the likes of FourSquare.
Last week, Google released an updated version of Google Maps for Android, which included some subtle tweaks to Google Latitude. Latitude users can now earn points for check-ins to be able to compete with Google+ contacts on a Leaderboard.
According to Engadget, the new feature is only accessible after a user has checked-in, and it appears as if the Leaderboard is not yet available to all users.
It is understood that Google intends to incorporate Google Latitude into its social platform, Google+, as part of the search giant's broader strategy to bring a social layer across all of its services.
Google is yet to make any official statements regarding the new functionality for Latitude or its future intentions with the service.
However, The Verge reports that the updated Google Support pages in Latitude indicate there will be “status levels” (namely visitor, regular, VIP and guru) for users to aspire to.
Location-based social networking service FourSquare has built its popularity on precisely this concept, whereby each check-in awards the users points or badges, and the user can become the “Mayor” of a specific location.
The updated Latitude app will also offer business owners the chance to offer check-in deals (like FourSquare) and to customise status level icons for specific stores. These commercial features are, however, yet to go live.
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