Yelp to Come Preloaded on Some T-Mobile Phones

Yelp, an online destination for detailed reviews on local businesses and services, today announced that a customized version of the Yelp mobile app is now preloaded on all Samsung Exhibit II 4G, T-Mobile myTouch and T-Mobile myTouch Q smartphones.

Beginning today, the Yelp app for T-Mobile Android devices features new advanced filters to make searching for a business easier and faster. Additionally, there is a new "saved search" functionality that allows users to save search filter settings (e.g. open now, free wifi, price range, and outdoor seating) and use the same criteria over and over without having to re-enter the specific filters, for frequent searches.

"As smartphones become more ubiquitous we're finding that increasing numbers of consumers are turning to Yelp on their mobile devices to find amazing businesses nearby," said Andrea Rubin, vice president of North American marketing at Yelp. "Through this relationship and the new features we've created for T-Mobile users, we hope to increase the ease of use and decrease the amount of time and taps that it takes for someone to find a great local business."

To help promote the release of these new smartphones with the pre-installed Yelp app, the companies will be engaging in an integrated marketing campaign in U.S. markets such as Austin, Texas, Sacramento, Calif., Detroit, Denver, and Honolulu. The efforts will include a device give-away at Yelp Elite parties, with some parties also featuring T-Mobile gift card giveaways. Select T-Mobile retail locations in Denver, Detroit, Honolulu, and Sacramento will also feature special Yelp check-in offers; the first 100 people who use the Yelp app to check into the store will receive an eco-friendly Yelp tote bag.

"T-Mobile is excited to work with Yelp to provide this compelling feature exclusively for our customers," said Torrie Dorrell, vice president of applications, content, and games at T-Mobile USA. "The enhanced Yelp application for Android devices is another great example of the differentiated experiences T-Mobile is bringing to market by working closely with partners."

In Q3 2011 an average of over 5 million monthly unique visitors relied on Yelp Mobile apps to help them make a spending decision on the go. Existing T-Mobile users with Android-powered smartphones are able to download the free customized Yelp app.