Updates for Google's iPhone apps: Check in with Latitude and use Places in 30 languages

Google has announced updates for two iPhone apps that help you connect the people you care about with the places you love: Google Latitude with check-ins and Google Places in 30 languages. After Android, you can now start checking in at places with the updated Latitude app for iPhone. Now, you can also choose to check in at specific places, such as your favorite restaurant or a park, to add more context to your location. You'll be able to not only let friends know that you’re just around the corner but also let them know the actual coffee shop that you’re at in case they want to join you.

To start checking in with Latitude on your iPhone, update the Latitude app from the App Store. The app requires iOS 4 and above, and it's available for iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPad, and iPod touch (3rd/4th generation). However, background location updating is only available on the iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, and iPad 3G.

You can also update the Google Places app from the App Store to rate on the go and get personalized recommendations for places in 30 languages. You’ll also have one more way to personalize your experience: saved places. Sign in with your Google Account using the info icon in the top left corner. Then, tap the new “Saved” icon on the app’s main screen to see all the places that you’ve saved or starred from the app, google.com/hotpot or maps.google.com. Updates will appear in the App Store in supported countries. You can get the latest version of Google Places from the App Store and start discovering great new places wherever you are.