Facebook Edges in on Yelp/Foursquare Territory With 'Place Tips' Feature

Not content with its market saturation in the unnecessary-sharing-of-baby-photos social media space, Facebook is looking to edge in on Foursquare and Yelp's market share: The Verge reports the Facebook app has rolled out a new tool called Place Tips (currently in test-mode only in New York City), which borrows a couple key features from each of its competitors. Like Foursquare, Place Tips encourages users to check-in at restaurants, shops, and other locations. Like Yelp, the app prompts users to leave photos, "tips," and reviews at each location. Place Tips grant users access to their friends' photos and tips left at the same spot, which many industry analysts point out could lead to less Yelping — users, in theory, would be more likely to trust reviews left by friends in their Facebook network than by strangers on Yelp.

According to Facebook's explanatory blog post, Place Tips pops up on top of the user's Facebook News Feed, giving the user an option of whether or not to open the feed of provided information. In addition to content "left" by friends, eace Place Tips page will source information from the business's Facebook page, including "posts from its Page, popular menu items, and upcoming events." To help strengthen its in-city Wi-Fi network, Facebook has also unleashed "Facebook BlueTooth Beacons" at select, endorsed locations like the Dominique Ansel Bakery and Veselka (aka spots where many Foursquare users likely check in). Go, watch how Place Tips works in the video below:

Video: Introducing Place Tips in News Feed