UPDATE: Groupon Now! is now available in Atlanta, Austin, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, DC, Denver, Detroit, Houston, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Minneapolis/St.Paul, New York City, Orange County, Phoenix, Portland, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, and Vancouver!
Groupon recently launched Groupon Now!, a realtime deal-finding guide that allows you to search for deals relative to your current location and use them that same day. No computers or printers necessary.
How it Works:
With the mobile deal trend quickly taking off, similar to Foursquare Specials and the up-and-coming Facebook Deals, Groupon Now! will likely be a huge part of the movement. Currently only available in Chicago, users are able to search on their phone to find “hyper-local” deals based on what they’re looking to do. You’ll choose from categories like: Eat Something, Have Fun, Go Shopping, Go Out, See a Show, Get Pampered, Exercise, Take a Class and more.
Groupon Now! will supply you with a list of locations near you with deals available for exactly what you’re in the mood to do. Groupon is hoping to branch out away from the “Deal-a-Day” breed and become localized and accelerated, as some deals will have limited quantities and last just a few hours.
For all of you Groupon lovers, this means you’ll be able to not only get great ideas for things to do, but you’ll also gain access to exclusive deals within seconds. Best of all these deals can be redeemed immediately because they are valid upon purchase.
How to Try it:
They currently have apps for both the iPhone and the Android. You can also visit touch.groupon.com and check for deals on any mobile device with web access. You can pay using a valid credit card or any previously earned Groupon bucks.
This does leave us wondering: Will we be seeing a collaboration with Foursquare? Only time will tell 