Gowalla App Reviews
Featured Review
“What follows is entirely real:
When it was first unveiled at last year's SXSW, I looked at this Location-sharing thingy with dubious eyes. Foursquare? Gowalla? What the hell is "Location-sharing", anyway!? :| So I decided to join one of those services to end my ignorance, as a good social media whore. I then used to own a Blackberry Curve 8520, so the only option I had was Foursquare, and download it I did.
I became totally addicted to it.
Checked-in EVERYWHERE, loved to retain and steal mayorships and even actively searched for badges. But something happened then, the app did not intend: the "game" became monotonous and didn't exactly cater to my high visual design standards (yes, I'm a whore for pretty UI). I'd heard about Gowalla being prettier and stuff, but there was no app out for Blackberry back then...so I stuck with Foursquare for a while, checking-in casually.
Fast-forward to June of this year, when I got my first iPhone...an iPhone 4. I proceeded to download Foursquare and even checked-in in a few places, just before I realized I was now able to enjoy Gowalla as well. So I went to the App Store, tapped on "Free", "Free" turned into "Install" so I tapped again...and the rest is history. I've been a loyal Gowalla user for the past two months and loving it. But why is it better for me, prettier design aside?
It's all about the "stamps". Each and every spot you check-in in Gowalla has an exquisitely designed stamp accompanying it that reflects the type of venue/service it is. Not only that, there are also "Featured Spots", usually landmarks, culturally-relevant places, shops and services on any given country. These have their very own custom stamp, lovingly illustrated by Gowalla's awesome illustrators. As a result, your Gowalla account has this "Passport" feel to it that its competitor only wish it could have. If it sounds like I'm gushing, believe me, I am.
I haven't touched the fact you can actually upload pictures to any spot, engage on a very rewarding item-swapping game and even create trips around your neighborhood for visitors to enjoy...oh, looks like I did. :P Yes, I love Gowalla. It's less competitive than Foursquare but in my opinion "location-sharing" doesn't need to be. It's about discovering new places and the people that go to them, and documenting your visits, creating digital memories.
It's about the journey AND the destination, and Gowalla will make both special again.”
Other Reviews
“friend me! /jacquelinelaw”
“Really nice app. There's no question that Gowalla has a beautiful product, but this isn't enough for me to switch over from 4sq.”
“I personally prefer Gowalla over Foursquare mostly because of the design aspact. It looks & feels great, intuitive and fun. A definite yes!”
“Only the most awesome app available for the iPad, of course.”
“The new Gowalla app with 4SQ and FB Places check in is really cool update! The interface is all new and much easier to use, so if you are a Gowalla-fiend this is a nobrainer!”
“got it because of @garyvee”
“I love it :P you get stickers :D”
“Love checking into real locations and letting your friends know where you are and what you do? That's the app for you.”
“I've been a proud Gowalla user for over a year now. I love the eye candy and learning about my whereabouts while exploring with this app. The guys and gals in Austin are also an awesome bunch of people - WIN!”
“better than foursquare!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! my opinion. give it a try (:”
“Good network. I prefer 4square, tho xD”
“eh it's okay. in don't use this as much. my brother recommended it.”
“yeah it's good for checking in but don't really get the point.”
“gowalla! this is a pretty nifty thing. try it out!”
