Facebook Places

Facebook has launched a feature similar to Foursquare called Places.  Using this function friends will know exactly (and I mean exactly) where you are, and let you know where your friends are.

Facebook Places use GPS technology, part of any Smartphone and local Wi Fi networks. Once you login Facebook will query your iPhone (smart phone) for its location and provide you a list of nearby places. Once you tap the screen to confirm your location all your friends will be able to see where you are and the time you checked in.

There is also a feature that allows you to comment about specific places and locations that future visitors will be able to see.  This feature is very similar to Yelp (the restaurant and review guide), and at present Facebook doesn’t appear to be targeting their business.

Naturally, the privacy issues are still relevant; currently the default setting is to share with your friends ONLY.  You make adjustments on the Privacy setting tab.

There is a full set of instructions on how Places works and a FAQ page that answers most of the obvious questions.  If you have a question about Facebook or any other program you can go to our Ask Bick website.

The opportunity is clear, as with Foursquare, Places gives will advertisers a chance to connect with its target demographic when they are right outside the door!

Michael Bickerton, Raven5 Ltd, November 2010

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