Facebook introduced a brand new feature for its iPhone app today which should help people learn more about the places and attractions they’re visiting.
Taking a page from Yelp and Foursquare, Facebook’s place tips will show you interesting facts about the location you’re at. Unlike Yelp and Foursquare, you won’t have to check-in at these places and broadcast your location to everyone.
When you’re out and about, place tips may pop up at the top of your news feed. When you tap on it you’ll be directed to a series of cards with info about your location, including photos friends have taken at that location if applicable.
Also included in place tips will be things like posts from the location’s Facebook page, popular menu items, and upcoming event.
Your location will be determined using a combination of cellular networks, Wi-Fi and GPS. Facebook is also testing special bluetooth beacons in select New York businesses. In the coming weeks, you’ll be able to test out place tips in locations like Central Park, Brooklyn Bridge, Times Square, the Statue of Liberty and JFK Airport.
If all of this sounds like something you’d rather be doing with your Facebook app, you will be able to opt-out. You can turn them off at any time, and they’ll only show if you’ve given Facebook permission to access your location on your phone.
