IM+ Creators Launch A New Multiplatform Check In Aggregator - With Augmented Reality
July 12, 2011
The vast number of social networks available is making it more difficult to be an online hipster. From Facebook, to Foursquare, not to mention Twitter and especially the newly launched Google+ (we're giving out invites by the way), it's getting impossible to manage a good virtual/online presence.
The problem is quite similar to the fragementation IM networks have, so it's no surprise that Shape Services (the guys behind IM+) is trying to tackle the problem. Their new app, launched this week, is called Checkin+ and it will enable you to aggregate your check in activity in one place.
The concept is great, and what the app lacks in network support (only Facebook and Foursquare are available right now), it makes up for with an incredible augmented reality mode. That is, when held facing down, the app will only display a map of your surroundings with appropriate locations and check-ins.
When you lift it up, you'll get a full-blown augmented reality view, with check-ins and locations layered above the world around you, as provided by the camera. Screenshots provided by Shape will give you a good idea of how the feature looks:
Checkin+ comes in two varieties, either ad-supported or ad-free for $.99, both are for the iPhone. It's probably more of a gimmick at this point than a really useful application, but the concept is great and will definitely wow your friends. Make sure to check it out.