Yelp, the fast-growing local search and review site, has announced an update for its iPhone app. Version 4.0 of Yelp for the iPhone and iPod touch allows you to log in to your profile and edit it. More interesting, the app also includes a “check-in” feature which tells your Yelp friends that you’re visiting a particular business.
Yelp combines reviews and social networking. The latest update to the Yelp mobile app seeks to further build upon the Yelp online community. People who regularly frequent a business and check-in with their phones can achieve “regular” status; that designation shows up in the app and is broadcast to your friends. You can also share your check-ins with friends in Facebook and Twitter.
The latest version also improves Yelp’s Monocle view, an augmented reality feature that uses your phone’s GPS and camera to overlay information about what’s in front of you. Monocle now shows you which of your friends are checked-in to a business you’re standing in front of—helpful for meeting friends for a drink or dinner. Just don’t try to stalk anyone.
Yelp 4.0 is free in the iTunes App Store. You’ll need an iPhone or iPod touch running the iPhone OS 3.1 software. Note that the Monocle view will only work on the iPhone 3GS.