Facebook challenges listings sites with Local events app
Facebook's standalone events app has been rebranded Local and could challenge listings companies such as Yelp and Foursquare. Formerly known as Events, Local aggregates Facebook database business pages, reviews and check-ins, as well as events created on the site. Consumers can use the app to view recommended attractions, refer to maps and meet nearby friends.

Today the social network is rebranding its year-old Events app to be called Local, which pulls in local business information on top of events created in Facebook.

Local aggregates Facebook’s database of 70 million business pages as well as reviews and check-ins. Via the app, consumers can view recommended bars, restaurants and attractions, look at maps and see nearby friends.

“The new app, Facebook Local, helps you easily find what to do, where to go, where to eat, or what you need—all recommended by the people you know and trust,” said Aditya Koolwal, product manager at Facebook in a statement.

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