facebook adding location features this month

Speculating only, but it seems like a natural progression IMO for Hot Shot Media to launch a series of location-based games to compliment Facebook's imminent plans of "location-based features for users and brands"?

Facebook Adding Location Features This Month
7/05/2010

Information has leaked that Facebook is set to roll out location-based features for users and brands as soon as this month. According to Advertising Age, users could see location options any day now.

These features will include the ability to check in at various locations, including retail spots and restaurants. Were unclear as to whether users will be able to add or customize their own locations, but we are fairly positive that this move will put Foursquare, Brightkite, Gowalla and other location-based services in an uncomfortable position.

Meaning for Users

The ability to check in to different locations is, as weve reported previously, a game-changing feature for Facebook. Foursquare, Gowalla, Brightkite and other startups that specialize in location-based features and services and that often take checks from corporations for branded integrations might have trouble competing with a Goliath like Facebook if the push toward checkins continues. Facebook has the userbase and mainstream adoption to bring location-sharing tools to a huge audience, excluding these newer competitors from the market. And if the company is rolling out features now, that likely means an acquisition is not likely, either.

If this feature does indeed roll out soon to end users, it also brings with it another round of privacy concerns. Its clear that not all users understand the risks of public sharing or how to protect their likes, groups and updates. When they risk exposing their locations to the general populace, another layer of security precautions (along with the usual media FUD) is sure to follow.

Meaning for Brands

McDonalds will be the first brand to test the new features. The McDonalds integration will involve users checking in at McDonalds restaurants and showing featured food items in their posts. Digital advertising and marketing shops around the country are preparing to construct campaigns around this new functionality.

Its interesting to note that this move further puts Facebook into competition with Google for local advertising dollars. Being able to target users geographically as well as demographically gives hyperlocal advertisers an edge and might cut into Googles most profitable revenue stream.

http://mashable.com/2010/05/06/facebook-location/

JB