❗Let's close the gap: We still need your help to raise $40,000 by April 1. Donate now
Codebreaker

Facebook appears to have bought Gowalla

John Moe Dec 5, 2011

Remember geolocation? It was supposed to be a huge thing that was going to change everything we thought we knew about social networking online. But like Crystal Pepsi or the movie career of Chris O’Donnell, it never seemed to hit the big time. Foursquare is niche, Facebook Places, Facebook’s geolocator for mobile, has been killed. And now, Facebook has purchased Gowalla, an app/service that lets user accumulate points for checking in at various places and earn discounts or something along the way. It actually launched on the same day as Foursquare but was never as popular (making it the Chicago Hope to Foursquare’s E.R..) So now Facebook is said to have bought it. This could mean a big feature upgrade to Facebook or it could just mean a talent grab for the Big Face.

 

 

There’s a lot happening in the world.  Through it all, Marketplace is here for you. 

You rely on Marketplace to break down the world’s events and tell you how it affects you in a fact-based, approachable way. We rely on your financial support to keep making that possible. 

Your donation today powers the independent journalism that you rely on. For just $5/month, you can help sustain Marketplace so we can keep reporting on the things that matter to you.