Foursquare promised a major turnout at the South by Southwest festival (SXSW) with a teaser and one of its first direct partnerships.
The firm is promising the 3.0 version of its app for Android and iOS users at the Austin gathering, possibly soon as March 11. What 3.0 would entail wasn’t mentioned. Plus there wil be 18 new badges for SXSX this year.
Along with the launch of 3.0, the comapny will have a partnership with American Express. Card owners can register their numbers with Foursquare and get discounts at stores linked to the social check-in service. Both hope to drive users and encourage loyalty.
The initial project will roll out during SXSW and will see about 60 local stores offering a spend-five-to-save-five deal somewhat similar to a Groupon discount. They eventually plan to take the plan nationwide at an undetermined point in the future. Foursquare has stressed that it’s not making any money in the Austin version, but hasn’t said whether the expansion will see it take a cut of any sale.
Foursquare largest deal to this point was a special badge for Starbucks.
