Swarm Adds Direct Messaging Feature To iOS, Android Apps

When Foursquare split itself in half, it was an effort to build up two complimentary features of their platform independently. The Foursqaure app proper would be a Yelp competitor, while Swarm would serve as their check-in module. The success of that move is debatable, but both found favor with users. To help Swarm become a bit more social, Foursquare has updated the app to bring in a private messaging feature. Now, when you want to hang out with someone, you don't have to ask out loud.

The feature will allow users to ask specific friends nearby if they'd like to grab a bite, or see a movie. Rather than an open invitation, you can now see friends on the app and ask them to hang out, individually.

Those on the Swarm platform can invite individuals, or a group of people.

With the update, Swarm's 'Plans' tab is going away, which allowed you to post something like 'let's grab coffee' in an open forum. That feature is still available, except you'll now be able to simply send a message blast to your friends.

It's a different direction for swarm, but ultimately one that should engage users a bit more. The ability to ask someone to hang out privately is a lot cleaner for that purpose, and though the app has lost a tab, the functionality of 'Plans' isn't really going away.

The update is currently available for both iOS and Android, so if you're not seeing the new features, check for your update.

Source: Foursquare/Swarm