Gowalla for Android

I enjoy testing out and learning to use new software, new apps and new tools. Because of this, I often find myself getting in on beta tests.

What is a beta test? A beta is typically a private or semi-private testing phase of a software product, before it is officially released or widely announced to the public.

Gowalla beta for Android now available

Today, I learned that the Gowalla GPS/location-based game/app has released a beta version for Android, which I have been anxiously awaiting for months.

Gowalla-Android-app

To get access to the beta version, visit the following address directly your Android phone: http://static.gowalla.com/gowalla-android-20100212.apk

Or you can scan the bar-code:
gowalla-android-20100212.apk

Note 1) In order to install this app, you may have to turn on the option “Allow install of non-Market applications”. To do this, go to your home screen Menu -> Settings -> Applications, then check the “Unknown sources” checkbox (Android 2.0 instructions). I recommend turning this option off once you are done.

Note 2) If you have trouble downloading the APK file, you may need to install a file manager, such as Astro or Linda, which can both be found on the Market.

Foursquare vs Gowalla

Until now, Foursquare has been my primary GPS app of choice, mainly because they’ve had a native Android app available for quite some time. I’ve also tinkered around with Google Buzz and the Gowalla mobile website.

I’m looking forward to testing out Gowalla and comparing it to Foursquare.

To learn more about the beta or read about the latest update, visit this Gowalla Android support thread on GetSatisfaction.

If you’ve used both apps, which one do you like best and why? If you use an alternative, what do you use and why?

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