UPDATE: Hootsuite releases geo-aware features for iPhone users

UPDATE: This update is now available in the App Store for iPhone users. However, HootSuite's geo-location-aware feature enhances more than just search terms. Users can now add location tags to their tweets and syncs to Foursquare.

"Places," a new tab in the Hootsuite app, lists nearby venues already registered through Foursquare. When users select a venue, the location is added to their HootSuite tweet. Your location appears as a Foursquare address but the app quickly shortens the link using Ow.ly.

In terms of geo-search features, the app now allows users to search between two and 25 miles of their location. I searched sushi in my area and was able to find tweets mentioning my favorite sushi restaurants.

HootSuite has announced its geo-location-aware feature that will allow users to discover great restaurants and social gatherings right in their own neighborhood. The feature is expected to be available to both browser and iPhone users sometime "soon."

According to Hootsuite, users will be able to search Twitter by location. The browser-based social media tool announced on its official blog Thursday that Twitter users will be able to enter search terms and then select a distance range to see updates only in that designated area.

The company expects the feature will be exceedingly popular for users who are searching for local restaurants, deals and happenings.

"No use hearing about great sushi in Vancouver when you are in New York City! Or a shoe sale in Tokyo when you are in Milan … or … well, you get the idea. Keep it local, keep it easy." - Hootsuite Blog

Oddly enough, the blog post alludes that the feature is now available - it isn't. When I emailed HootSuite Help asking where to find the App Store update, this was the response.

Support Ranger, Oct 01 13:15 (PDT):
It will be in app store soon! hang on!

HootSuite has struggled to match up with Twitter app titan TweetDeck, however, users may find "the owl" more accessible in office environments where downloading is restricted. Further, the service's scheduling and analytics features are unusually impressive under the app's free version.