Yelp

Yelp is a mix of a location-based social network and a city guide made by users

There's been decades since the first city guide was released. Since then its format has changed but in essence it was the same. However, thanks to smartphones we all have a geolocator in our pockets and, we all are connected. What does it mean? The unidirectional era (guide editor - user) has finished, we can get reviews, recommendations, advises and any other kind of info instantly to our smartphones. From now, we all will be guide editor's.

Yelp is the platform that provides both a places database and the social network to share info about that places. Sign up by filling the form or use Facebook Connect. Create your and edit your profile: avatar, locations, reviews, bios... And start check-in places, posting reviewing about the, rate them. Add friends to widen your knowledge about places and to socialize with other users from around the World.

The check-in system is similar to other location-based social networks like Foursquare: you can get badges and own dukedoms. Other users will be able to check the photos you share, where you checked in, where you're regular at and other relevant info you want to share with them. What's more, you can bookmark, look for deals nearby, search places from the bottom search bar.

One of the features we liked most is the "Monocle" which allows you to search for nearby places by means of Augmented Reality technology. What impressed us most is how fast it's finding places nearby (it really makes the most of your GPS tech). Must-have.