Foursquare for Windows 8 Is a Powerful Discovery Engine

Foursquare brought the idea of "checking in" on a smartphone to the mainstream. Having conquered mobile, the service that's synonymous with location-based services is finally spreading to the desktop via a dedicated app for Windows 8.

First promised at Microsoft BUILD back in June, the Windows version of Foursquare changes the focus of the experience. Instead of checking in, the emphasis is on browsing and discovery. The idea is that you'll probably fire up Foursquare for Windows 8 before you go out to the bar, restaurant or coffee shop. Check-ins are still there, just off to the side.