Foursquare, the location-based game and social networking app, has been quietly testing its BlackBerry application with handful of users for the past month or so.
This afternoon, the company sent out an invite to about one thousand additional people so they can download and try the app too.
Word is spreading fast, and the download link quickly found its way into our inbox, so I decided to try it out. In all, the app certainly marks a big advance for BlackBerry users (who thus far have been relegated to using the Foursquare mobile site -- m.foursquare.com) and includes most of the features users of Foursquare on iPhone and Android are already familiar with.
Upon logging in, you’ll immediately see where your friends are at, and have the options to either checkin or shout. Like the Android and iPhone apps, Foursquare will show you nearby venues too based on either GPS or nearby cell towers (though I’m currently out of range of any listed venues, so can't verify the accuracy). You’ll be able to see each venue on a map, who the mayor is, and who has checked in recently.
When viewing your friend’s profiles, you can quickly call, text, email them, or jump to their Twitter profile. You can also opt to have Foursquare show pop-up alerts when your friends check-in. Foursquare’s recent addition of Facebook support is also included, so you can broadcast any of your check-ins to your friends on there too.