So I have been struggling with all of the new iPhone applications that take advantage of the GPS and Geo-Location features of the device itself. The problem is, is that checking-in and out of so many applications has forced me to focus in on the core few that I would really want to invest my time putzing around with. It is harder than it seems actually as there are so many of these emerging applications fighting for space on smart phones in general. I had to resort back to basic Technology product assessments by first trying to break down the different types of Geo-Location apps, then figure out what my own requirements are for using them. This is what I came up with:

Social Networking

• BrightKite
• DailyPlaces
• Gypsii

Life Logging (Events)

• Whrrl
• thisMoment

Location Only

• Latitude (Google)
• Loopt
• Mobcast

Entertainment/Gaming

• Gowalla
• Foursquare
• MyTown

Local Points of Interest

• Rummblr
• Yelp!

There are some minor cross over points between each of them but in general, the utilization of the GPS function to tag a location or check-in at a location and share with your friends combined with connectivity to "Hub" services like Twitter and Facebook are pretty much the norm.

Of all of the above services I have played around with on the iPhone (most have some availability to Android, Blackberry etc., in some form or another), I initially dropped Rummblr, Latitude, BrightKite, DailyPlaces and Gypsii for various reasons, some technical and some based on how they managed their communities (i.e., users).

So at this very point in time, I am realizing that although it is cool to catalog the various places I visit, unless there is something that I find of value to it, there really isn't a need to hang around on it. I have figured out that where I spend the majority of my time is with those apps that tie in some sort of entertainment or gaming element to them. That is leaving me with the following core apps that I am sticking with for now.

Gowalla - I blogged about it

Foursquare - similar to Gowalla but different type of "Badge Collecting." They just opened up to the world after being primarily focused on major city locations.

MyTown - The newest player on my phone. Reminds me of a web app I made $250 on called WebLo through buying & selling virtual "Real World" properties. For example I now own a Starbucks, Whole Foods near my house as well as the building in which I work. I collect virtual rent on these properties and can buy and sell them in a virtual market place.

I will also still use Whrrl and thisMoment for sort of "Life Logging" events and Yelp! for local info. What I am dropping as of today is Loopt. There is no value in simply seeing where others are checked in at unless we all happen to live in the same general area and are out hooking up for coffee or whatever at various locations. That is not my life. So..... Bye, Bye.

It should also be said that the monsters like FaceBook and Google, where the bulk of my digital life resides, have yet to implement any sort of combined Social/Geo-Location function. Satellite applications like Mobcast have emerged to fill that void, as is the case with FaceBook.

So there you have it. Another one bites the dust. R.I.P. Loopt, it's not personal, just bidnezz.   Things are only going to become increasingly more complex in 2010 as additional services are born into the fight for the smart phone market.

Engaging activities like Scavenger Hunts and Rewards based programs which leverage GPS will probably begin to arrive fast and furious as there is a potential for revenue to be generated in the real-world. Some with Augmented Reality apps (which we are starting to see more of) are arriving as well.

For those early services, rumor mills are full steam as the competition heats up. Gowalla, I have heard, is working on native applications for ALL smart phones as well as introducing more social features into their gaming experience and Foursquare has begun to take advantage of the "real world" through Brick and Mortar sponsorship offering discounts to individuals for checking in at certain locations (bars, restaurants, etc.).   If MyTown can figure out how to do it, there may be some real world cash involved in their virtual real estate market place, similar to what WebLo had.

In short, fasten your seat belts sports fans, its going to be an interesting ride!