Ever since Yelp (www.yelp.com) hit version 2.0 earlier this year, the company has been steadily trickling our new features to give it parity with its iOS and Android counterparts. Last night the latest version of the app, one for Windows Phone 7.x and one for 8, was bumped to version 2.0.0.3 and 2.5.1.4 respectively and it brings along with it a few nice changes.
There isn’t a detailed changelog though we do note you still can’t add full reviews. Instead, the app will save a “draft”, which you then need to finish on your own time on the PC. That's kind of a weak implementation, though we suppose it may weed out the insta-angry reviews that sometimes people bang away while still in the restaurant.
Yelp's "Monocle" augmented reality, finally on Windows Phone
Augmented reality via their Monocle was added to the mix in the last update and (it came to the iPhone in 2009, ahem) although it’s a little tricky to find (Hint: dig into a Category, hit the 3rd icon near the bottom). It seems to work well enough and it's similar to Nokia’s implementation of City Lens, which while fun we also find to be a bit gimmicky.
Other improvements look to be speed enhancements and general stability.
We have to admit: Yelp is a fairly solid app. We’re not of the hardcore Yelp crowd, in fact, we’re really new to the service. But so far, it’s been fun to use to scout out for local restaurants, eateries, bars and coffee shops. Yes, Windows Phone has Local Scout, which isn’t half bad but Yelp certainly goes further with its OpenTable integration, checkins and our favorite feature, bookmarks. It also has a social-network built in so you can interact with your friends. It’s fast, fluid and nicely laid out, so much so that we’re pinning it to our Start screen for easy access.
Think you may want to try Yelp? Haven’t already received your update notification? Give it a spin here in the Store. Windows Phone 7.x and 8.
Thanks, everyone, for the tips!
Reader comments
Yelp for Windows Phone receives update with minor fixes for bugs
That's cool. I wasn't even aware that Yelp had a Windows Phone app.
Yeah, it's been ages since I've tried it, but it's kind of impressive...at least I think so. Curious what others think, especially the regular Yelpers...
Windows Phone Bing does a really good job making this app "not as useful"
As far as finding restaurants and stores near your location, Yelp's 'Nearby' is more accurate and has way more listings than Local Scout for me.
Ever since the major update, I no longer use Local Scout. Yelp went from one of the most useless to one of the most useful apps on my phone.
A little too late for me. Local Scout & Bing search are good enough for every day search. Those special occasions that's when I'll pull up Yelp!
I wonder if the quality of Local Scout results are dependent on the users particular location?? As in maybe there aren't enough reviews and info being submitted for the restaurants in my general neighborhood.
This is a warning!!! Just kidding. Isn't local search on Bing going bye bye with that new overhaul thing there doing or am I wrong
YIKES!!!!!!its YELP!!!!!!!
Unfortunately, it's still pretty lacking compared to the iphoney and android version.
Not available in Brazil :(
Even though they've launched their services here this week.
POI coverage in north London seems pretty poor compared to foursquare and Bing. Oh well.
Also having issues having login recognised. Credentials are fine on the website, but may be because it was signed up with yelp.com.au rather than yelp.com.
The "draft" to add a review is the se as the iPhone. Can't speak for android though I suspect it is the same.
As cjthree said the "draft" feature is similar on other plaftorms. Yelp wants to promote "well-written" reviews instead of the usual one liners so they try to nudge you by allowing only review from desktop devices. I was under the impression that they changed this "policy" recently. Still I use Yelp, Foursquare to discover good places when in a new city. Nokia City lens has not a lot of sources (as Bing) :(