Personalized search categories, a faster app, and a map made just for you (and iPhone 5 ready!)

The biggest change you’ll notice with today’s iPhone update (get it here!) is that we updated Explore with a simpler design and a bunch of new search options. It improves one of the best things about Foursquare – it’s a personalized map made just for you.

Like any good map, if you type a specific place into Explore, we know where it is and can find it for you. But because we also know what you and your friends like, what’s popular in the neighborhood, and have data from tens of millions of tips and over 2.5 billion check-ins, we can also give you tailored suggestions instead of one size-fits-all results. So whether you search for “Mel’s Diner,” “dumplings,” or “Ethiopian,” we help you find exactly what you’re looking for.

With today’s update, we’ve added new search categories that are personalized, too. With one tap, you can find places you haven’t been to yet, or places your friends have been. Fill the map with only places you’ve been before if you’re looking for an old favorite. Or, choose ‘Saved’ for places you’ve added to your to-do list. Foursquare shows you insider tips, photos of the place, menus, hours, contact info, and more. It’s easy to find the perfect spot.

Update the app now and take it for a spin! The new release is also compatible with your snazzy new iPhone 5 and iOS 6 software, lots faster, and has a bunch of small design improvements and tweaks that we continue to make with every release. Enjoy!