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http://www.whatsthefare.com http://www.whatsthefare.com

• Touche 10y ago
  There was a similar app during the check-in app craze (where a half-dozen competing apps existed) but that didn't stop Foursquare from eventually winning the space (even though it was arguably not the best of the options).
  • __derek__ 10y ago
    Aw, poor Gowalla.
    • Touche 10y ago
      And loopt, brightkite, whrrl (spelling?) and probably more. And that was just within the "check into a place" category. There were also other categories like checking-in to what you're watching on tv (GetGlue), checking-in to what you're eating (Foodspotting), checking in to what you're drinking (Untappd). Some of these are still around but most are not. Not sure if the ride-sharing space will turn out the same or not. I feel at least Uber and Lyft are probably safe.
      • __derek__ 10y ago
        This may be related to my provincial ignorance (I was in Ann Arbor during the check-in boom), but I remember Gowalla being the Lyft to Foursquare's Uber. Of course, there is an actual business model for the ride-sharing companies, so maybe there's room for multiple players.
        • Touche 10y ago
          It's not a great comparison because Gowalla had essentially no competitive advantage, whereas Lyft at least has the chance to have one. Gowalla competed on "better design" for a while but ultimately the network effect of Foursquare mattered far more. Lyft is making headway in some cities so I think they're doing fine.
  • marssaxman 10y ago
    They invented the concept, so far as I was aware, in the form of Dodgeball. Foursquare was just their relaunch of Dodgeball after the failed Google acquisition.