Foursquare 3.0: Recommended Locations, New Merchant Features

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Foursquare is giving users more reasons to check in with Foursquare 3.0 including better deals, more suggested places to visit and an easier way to rack up points.

As added incentive to check in, Foursquare 3.0 added a Explore tab. You can search for a category like “German restaurants,” and the app will point you to the nearest location you can get a decent bratwurst, taking into consideration where your friends’ frequent, popular places to check in and positive tips left by other users. There are also stock categories to chose from if you can’t decide what to do.

Don’t worry: You’ll still be able to get those badges. The leaderboard has been updated to add points for different categories including checking into a new place or city and checking in with friends.

There’s also going to be a lot more deals, thanks to the six new Specials that Foursquare added. It’s free for businesses to offer a promotion through the app. Merchants can now chose from:

– Swarm Special: If a certain amount of people check-in at the same time, a retailer can offer a discount.

– Friends Special: If you and a X number of friends check-in a a certain store, you can all get a percentage off.

-Flash Special: First so many people to check-in get a deal on their purchase.

-Newbie Special: First check-in gets a special offer.

-Check-In Special: As long as you check-in you get a deal.

– (Existing) Loyaty Special: Every so many check-ins you get a promotion.

– (Existing) Mayor Special: If you are the number one person who checks-in at a location, you get a special prize.

The blog is featuring some of the businesses offering new specials including Whole Foods, who will give you a free cookie if you check in with a friend and Applebee’s, where if five or more people check from 10PM to 12AM, you all get a free order of mozzarella sticks. Not only are the deals free, the update is free as well. Now, who’s wants to meet me at Applebee’s tonight?

More on TIME.com:

Foursquare Proves It: New Yorkers Not the Rudest People in the World

Collectors Are Tracking Down Debtors Through Social Media

Photos, Comments Come To Foursquare