Remember last week when we told you there was an update to Google Maps, bringing us up to version 6.3.0? At the time, it seemed like there were only slight fixes in the update, including battery and performance tweaks to make the app more stable, especially for Latitude users. After having a few days to dig around in the new app, it was discovered by AndroidWorld.nl, that Google had also slipped in an unmentioned new feature, called “Leaderboard this week”.

Essentially, checking in on Latitude will award users points, which translate into rankings on the Leaderboard that can be viewed by your Google+ friends. The more points you get, the higher on the Leaderboard you get, obviously. You can also click on “View More” to view a more extensive Leaderboard, with rankings for last week, this week and all-time. Even though there was never a word uttered about the new service, it was also discovered that there is already an official help page, though I couldn’t personally access it at the time of this post for some reason.

After reading about this, I assumed it would be some kind of invite-only beta feature, but was quickly pleased to find out I was wrong by firing up Maps to check in. Sure enough, I got my points and earned a spot on the Leaderboard for this week. Now I’d like to see some Foursquare-like deals implemented into this service and I’ll really be excited.

How about you? What is your check-in application of choice? I currently use Foursquare the most, but I do check in on Latitude from time to time. I’d like to see Google come with something good enough to migrate completely to their side of the fence, but only time will tell.

Source: AndroidWorld.nl Via: Engadget

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About the Author

Tony Simons

Android addict would be the two words I would use to describe myself. It’s the first thing I check in the morning, and the last thing I check before bed. I’m 30 years old, my first Android phone was the G1, shortly after its launch. I have also owned a myTouch 3G, and I have a myTouch 4G, which I am absolutely in love with. Other than Android, I’m a father, brother, college student, and almost-full-time employee at a local brewery/restaurant here in the cornfields of Iowa. If there’s anything you’d like to know, please feel free to hit me up. I’m a pretty nice guy, and I respond as quickly as I can. Thanks for stopping by!

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