Loopt Star brings check-in rewards to Android users

Loopt Star, an application from location-based startup Loopt that lets users check in to places and get rewards, is now available on Android devices.

The Loopt Star application is different from the original Loopt application as it focuses more on rewarding consumers for checking into certain locations. For example, if you check in to Burger King you’ll get an offer for a free coffee or soda with the purchase of a regular sandwich or breakfast sandwich (only on the first check in). The company works with several other brands to offer promotions, including Sports Authority (10 percent off a purchase of $50 or more) and Steve Madden (20 percent off purchase).

I fired up the Loopt Star application and found that it is similar to most of the location-based services, listing all the locations in my area and giving me the opportunity to check in. The difference is the header, where the company spotlights any brands that are running promotions. The most interesting one I found was called “Discover the Music Around You!” (pictured above), which offered five free song downloads for checking in at any bar in the U.S. The redemption process would be even cooler if you could download the song directly to your mobile device, rather than a computer desktop.

Other big players in the location-based services market, including Foursquare and Gowalla, both available on Android, have also begun to reach out to brands for promotions. Foursquare recently teamed up with Gap to offer customers who checked in a 25% off discount, while Gowalla worked with Intercontinental Hotel Group for its summer “Hit it Big” loyalty promotion, the chance to win $500 or double points.

The Loopt Star application was previously only available on the iPhone and iPod touch. Loopt is based in Mountain View, Calif. and was founded in 2006. Investors include Sequoia and New Enterprise Associates.