**As published in RCR Wireless News**

SAN FRANCISCO — “We’re turning life into a game” and trying to “make the world a little more interesting to explore,” Foursquare CEO Dennis Crowley said this morning here at the Open Mobile Summit.

The company, which is less than two years old now has more than 4 million users, but finds itself competing with the likes of Facebook Inc. following the recent launch of its Places feature. While Crowley said Facebook’s entrance into the space “is driving us to be a better company,” it’s hard to ignore the size and scale of its new largest competitor. Read more

**As published in RCR Wireless News**

Today is the Super Bowl of politics — in a way. Election Day 2010.

Every major event like this presents brilliant minds with an opportunity to come up with something truly awesome that takes mobile to the next level. And I always come away wanting more.

The only interesting thing I found this time around, albeit more fun (perhaps pointless?) than meaningful, is Foursquare’s “I Voted” badge. Here’s how it’s supposed to work: any one of Foursquare’s 4 million users that votes (or fake votes via check-in) today can get the badge. Read more

**As published at digiday:DAILY**

Publisher: SocialScope, Inc  Price: Free  Platform: BlackBerry OS, iPhone and limited Android devices Advertising: None

Functionality: A+
Fun Factor: A
Overall: A+

Just when I think I’ve found my all-time favorite client for Twitter on my BlackBerry, an alternative jumps into my radar and I begin the evaluation process anew once more.

I can’t remember how long it’s been since I requested an invite to check out the beta for SocialScope, but I finally got a code via e-mail last week and was downloading the app on my BlackBerry minutes later. The company has seemingly made an early commitment to developing for the BlackBerry, as it lists a number of compatible RIM devices on its site; there’s also support for the Android-based G1 and the iPhone. Read more

**As published at digiday:DAILY**

Publisher: Foursquare Price: Free Platform: BlackBerry
Advertising: None as of yet
Functionality: B-
Fun Factor: B+
Overall: B+

Not exactly a new social networking phenomenon, but new to BlackBerry, foursquare is one of the best location-based services available to BlackBerry owners. That said, there are still some kinks that need to be worked out — which is likely why it’s still in beta (version 1.5.5).

After a couple weeks of use the app hasn’t lost its sense of cool. I held out against foursquare for what seemed like an eternity, but I still find myself wanting to “check-in” just as much as I did when I finally made the leap. The service has been making the high-profile rounds for at least a year, and with the BlackBerry capability finally on board, it’s sure to gain new users like me who held out until it reached their primary device of choice. Read more