Heads up Android phone Google Latitude users. Trusty ol’ Google has just updated your fav navigation app to finally include check-in services going toe-to-toe with Foursquare and company.
Unlike the rest of the pack, you’ve got some leg room here with various options available including the ability to enable (or disable, whichever your prefer) automatic check-ins, enable notifications (disabled by default), automatic check out, and manage the ‘places’ you visit. It’s actually pretty neat, but do note, however, that at this point, it’s still pretty raw.
No badges are available, you can’t create a venue of your own, and it doesn’t come with 3rd party service support to sites such as Facebook and Twitter. Meaning, you can only share your checked-in location with other Latitude users. A bit disappointing considering they’re already pretty late in joining the check-in game, but it’s a relatively good start, and something Google can definitely build on in the months to come.
Here's a promotional video of Google Latitude with check-in services:
Check-in services in Google Latitude is available now as part of Google Maps 5.1 for Android. What about iPhone Latitude users? Sorry guys, you’re out of luck with this one. You can see your Android friends check-in to places, but the buck ends there. You, however, won’t be able to share yours.
For further info, you can read more about this new Google Latitude feature over at the Official Google Blog.