Foursquare testing NFC for mobile check-ins

Following the launch of the feature-packed Foursquare 3.0, the social-networking giant is testing out NFC-enabled mobile check-ins.

At present, Foursquare enables check-ins via its Android and iOS mobile apps, through which users must select or enter a location using their handsets GPS. With NFC however, users would simply wave their Gingerbread smartphone over a small blue badge, to automatically be tagged in their current location.

Uncovered at Foursquare’s New York HQ, the incoming NFC check-in service is still undergoing testing. However, it’s expected to be integrated with Foursquare’s incoming merchant platform, which will allow vendors to offer their customers sales and discounts through check-ins. These sales will categorized as Flash Specials, Friend Specials, Swarm Specials, Newbie Specials and more.

There’s no word when Foursquare will be launching its all-new check-in service, although it’s likely to début on Google‘s NFC-equipped Gingerbread smartphones.

[Source: NFCWorld]