Foursquare is about to become a lot richer, thanks to forthcoming apps built off of the location-based network's API.
The NYC-based startup unveiled Thursday a developer preview for Connected Apps -- that is, "developer-crafted experiences that exist within Foursquare" -- for iPhone and Android smartphones. (Blackberry, the company says, is on the way.)
Soon, more third-party apps will function directly within Foursquare, adding value to core features such as checkins, photos and tips. Already, you can get recommendations about what to order after checking into a restaurant via integrations with Men's Health magazine's Eat This, Not That app and Foodspotting. Similarly, integration with Untappd will suggest beers; integration with Soundtracking will enable you to discover songs shared by your friends at a place; and integrations with Instagram and Path will allow you to cross-post photos shared on Foursquare to those apps, respectively.
Information from Connected Apps will appear, in some instances, beneath a "Connected Apps" header after checking in (see photo above).
This is the second major update to Foursquare this month. The startup issued a mobile redesign earlier in June, giving greater emphasis to photos, and enabling “Likes” on venues, tips, lists and friends’ checkins (see gallery below).