I don't know the numbers, but I have anecdotal experience.

Most people seem to be not using 4sq. It varies a lot by location, and NYC seems like it would have the highest user penetration.

Out of the registered users, a subset of 4sq users (including myself) check-in very consistently (multiple times a day). For myself, it's useful in a quasi-lifelogging role.

> Out of the registered users, a subset of 4sq users (including myself) check-in very consistently (multiple times a day). For myself, it's useful in a quasi-lifelogging role. reply

Google Timeline does this automatically now, without the need to checkin:

https://www.google.com/maps/timeline

> To determine popular times, Google uses data from users who have chosen to store their location information on Google servers. Popular times are based on average popularity over the last several weeks. Not all businesses will have a popular times graph; the graph will only appear for businesses whose hours are listed on Google and about which Google has sufficient popularity data.

While Google timeline might be in the same ballpark for geologging, it is definitely not the same use case as having a newsfeed of check-ins by yourself & friends. Google timeline seems closer to 4sq's Pilgrim, both which are not anywhere near the same level of granularity as manual, explicit check-ins.

> While Google timeline might be in the same ballpark for geologging, it is definitely not the same use case as having a newsfeed of check-ins by yourself & friends. Google timeline seems closer to 4sq's Pilgrim, both which are not anywhere near the same level of granularity as manual, explicit check-ins.

I agree manual checkins are more granular, but it seems like the fad has worn itself out, and Foursquare is going to die a slow death with Google providing the data for free.

EDIT: As Steve Jobs wisely commented, "Its a feature, not a product."

I think the scary thing is that it doesn't depend on people using the app - merely having it installed. Pilgrim passively tracks your location whether or not you check in (or even open the app).

Google tracks your location in android without having to have an app open.

Opt-in but yes