Gowalla adds new Highlights feature

Of all the check-in apps, Gowalla continues to be one of my favorites (even if they don’t have as many users as Foursquare). I like the user interface and I especially like the ability to add photos to a location. Plus, Gowalla for the iPad is awesome. Gowalla just released another new feature, called Highlights. It’s kind of like Foursquare’s version of Tips, only more personal.

According to Gowalla, “A Highlight tells a story about a place that is special to you — And it also tells a story about yourself.” Currently, there are 18 different types of Highlights you can share, such as your favorite date night location, best coffee spot, your favorite happy place, etc. (more to come per Gowalla).

The feature is live, but as of now you’ll have to go to the Gowalla website to add your own Highlights. I added a couple of my own Highlights, Alma Mater and My Happy Place. These Highlights will show up on your Gowalla Passport and on the venue pages. According to the Gowalla blog, this feature will soon be available to the mobile apps on iPhone, iPad, Android and Blackberry. I’m assuming you will have the ability to add Highlights to a place after you’ve checked-in.

What do you think of the new Highlights feature with Gowalla? I like this feature for two reasons: 1) I can get to know my Gowalla friends better, and 2) The places with more Highlights will be more interesting to visit. However, I do wish there was a way to tag your friends in a Highlight as many experiences are often shared with others and not just yourself.