Foursquare's Google+ Moment

The Foursquare check-in is no more. The new and (questionably) improved Foursquare is now a local discovery app in the vein of Yelp. Meanwhile, all check-ins happen through Foursquare's recently-launched Swarm app.

A popular online network is cramming new and unwanted features down its users' throats, dragging them along kicking and screaming. Sound familiar?

It should, because we've had this exact same conversation on multiple occasions with Google Plus.

Like Foursquare, Google struggled to find early success with its social media endeavor. But instead of pivoting or packing it in, they made Google Plus a requirement across Google's other, more popular channels. Whether it was the real name debacle or the much-maligned YouTube comments fiasco, Google tried over and over to force Google Plus into mainstream success.

For some reason, Foursquare is taking the same approach with its Swarm app. The app has been panned by both tech pundits and users alike, and looked like it was on its way to an early retirement. However, Foursquare's recent split makes Swarm a requirement for those who simply want to check in to places.

Unfortunately, this you'll-learn-to-love-it strategy hasn't gone so well for Google. And if the early criticisms of the Swarm app are any indication, Foursquare's similar strong-arming won't work either.