Groupon, a local shopping website that offers a daily deal on the best goods, services and cultural events in more than 230 markets across the world, has announced the launch of Groupon Japan and Groupon Russia via acquisition of daily deal sites Qpod and Darberry.

Foursquare is extending its marketing reach with more widely-based services and may even tie in with hardware makers to become a direct part of the shopping experience.

Montavo has successfully completed the testing of Virtual GeoFence, a major feature to be added to the upcoming release of the Montavo Mobile Advertising Platform, mMAP Rev. 2.0.

Groupon has released a publicly available API to help third-party developers and affiliate members get the word out about its daily specials.

Philadelphia-based marketing company Monetate has responded to the growing demand for mobile e-commerce by introducing Monetate Mobile, a location-aware product for adapting Internet retail websites for satisfying use on mobile phones.

QderoPateo has announced the launch of its first Blu-Pons location-based advertising network. The system has been installed at Independence Mall in Wilmington, North Carolina.

CloseBys.com will announce its "create your own location-based network" feature at Macworld, San Francisco, on February 11.

Clip Mobile, a Toronto-based interactive mobile marketing firm, has launched Canada's first location-based mobile coupon network.

The Wet Seal, a California-based retailer of fashion for young women, has included an enhanced location-aware mobile site in its launch of a package of strategic Internet marketing features.

As New Year sales loom, Spreezio has launched a new version of its free location-based shopping engine. The shopping app now comes with a more powerful search algorithm and enhanced website support.