Field Trip - a new app from Google

Google's new app, Field Trip, is basically like having a personal tour guide in your smartphone.  It runs in the background on your mobile device (you can set how active it is), and it provides notifications that tell you about interesting things nearby.  These notifications include local information about history, famous architecture, and great shopping and dining experiences nearby.  The best part is that you don't have to ask for this information. 
The app has settings that let you determine how often you want notifications.  This can be occasional ones or very frequent.  It runs in the background (without using too much available memory).  NBC News says that "the app pulls in information from a ton of sources, including Zagat and Eater in the food and drinks category; Architizer for architecture; and The WorldWide Guide to Movie Locations and Atlas Obscura for unique (and possibly bizarre) finds."  Songkick and Flavorpill lead you to great local music as well. 
Rather than disturbing your other phone activities, this application provides subtle notifications (ringtone or vibrate) and also show a title with a description of the find in your status bar.  From here, you can even customize how many notifications you want from individual sources.  
Currently, the application is only available on Google Play.  An iOS version is in the works.  This application is a great way to spend time going out with friends, or just discovering new things about your neighborhood.  This is also a great app for eating and shopping in places that are off of the beaten path.  Try it today.