App takes foursquare from check-ins to real-world

Location-based social network foursquare has released a new app for iOS and Android users.

Location-based social network foursquare has released a new app for iOS and Android users.

The redesigned app places more emphasis on discovery and makes it easier for users to find cool new places and share experiences.

"We've re-imagined the entire app to make it even easier for you and your friends to share and catalog your experiences and find new places to go," said foursquare, "It's also really really pretty, with tons of fun surprises."

As well as getting a visual makeover, the app features more updates from your friends (with tips, photos and hearts -- foursquare's version of "Likes" -- included in the mix) and a redesigned Explore tab featuring top picks and recommendations in your immediate vicinity.

Finding fun things to do locally, whether you're near home or out exploring the world, has become a whole lot easier on foursquare with place-aware results and a combined map view which displays recommended places, nearby friends and current deals and specials.

The new features are designed to make foursquare more appealing to new users and those who are yet to build a huge friend network on the site. The changes also help foursquare to transition from a check-in service into a feature-packed recommendation service akin to Yelp or Google's newly launched Google+ Local.

"They've taken their long-stated goal of "making cities easier to use" and made good on it with a complete and total redesign of the app from top to bottom," said foursquare-themed blog aboutfoursquare.com.

The new foursquare app is available now on iTunes. The Android version is expected to hit the Google Play store soon.