Google have launched Google Maps 5.1 for Android which allows you to connect to a location to a real place by checking in there using Latitude. You can still use Latitude to automatically update and share your location, but check-ins let you add context to the location - like captions on a photo.

Latitude can be set to automatically detect your location, but there are now some unique features like notifications. If turned on, it will check you in at a nearby place once you arrive, this stops you from forgetting to check in ever again. Automatic check-ins is quite self-explanatory as it will check you in automatically once you get there without having to touch your phone. Check-out does the opposite, it will check you out so your friends aren't left guessing whether you're there or not.

Because Latitude is built directly into Google Maps for Android, check-ins work across Latitude and Maps seamlessly. If you were to check into a store ar restaurant, you'll see it's Place page with reviews to help you order. If a friend checks in somewhere, you can go straight from their Latitude profile to its Place page to learn about it, open Google Maps Navigation (beta) which would then give you turn-by-turn directions to them, and more.

There's also a feature which allows you to check in at a favorite place to earn a special status there, you'll see you've become a "regular", "VIP" or "Guru" on it's Place page. Crazy!

There's more at the source.