I rarely have something negative to say about a product or service, but today I woke up ashamed and embarrassed for Loopt.
They launched a new product called “Loopt Star” (which, as of the time of publish, I still can’t access). If you want to learn more, the NY Times has a detailed look at the service.
Loopt Star claims to be the “leading location-based social mapping service” and a “first-of-its-kind mobile rewards game”…
Have they ever used Foursquare? They must have because they copied the interface almost exactly.
Photo by dpstyles
Instead of becoming the mayor of a venue, you can become the “Boss” for checking in the most.
Don’t get me wrong, I think it’s cool they are trying to create coupons and deals around checkins, but they need to do something that is unique and different from their competition.
Quoted directly from the NY Times article:
Starbucks will use Loopt Star to give frequent customers an honorary barista badge, symbolized by a green apron. Starbucks also offers a barista badge on Foursquare, where people compete to become “mayors” of places, and the coffee chain is giving mayors $1 off Frappuccinos.
C’mon guys, show me something new.
Loopt Star does claim to let businesses and retailers customize their own deals, which is a cool feature. Another thing I like is that they are using Facebook to encourage other users to checkin by offering specials right in the news feed.
These features are great, but not revolutionary. If they want to keep up with Foursquare and Gowalla, they need to do something earth-shattering.
