LivingSocial recently updated its mobile application to improve search and filter capabilities and simplify the checkout process.

The app now includes a magnifying glass in the upper right corner that lets consumers search for a specific deal. Consumers can also filter deals by the following categories: new, ending soon and near current location.

?We?ve updated the app to help you more seamlessly find the deals that you want in the area you?re in,? said Jake Maas, senior vice president of product and operations at LivingSocial, Washington. ?Most notably, our consumers can now tap into search and filtering features regardless of location.

?We are always monitoring user reviews for feedback, and these two requests were at the top of the list, so we naturally worked to give customers what they want,? he said.

App updates
One of the big updates in the LivingSocial app deals with search and filtering.

Consumers can now search for deals in any location, regardless of where they are standing at the time.

To filter for certain types of deals, consumers can tap on the city header at the top of the page. The app will then offer filters, including popular, newest, ending soon and nearby.

Adding search and filtering to the app helps consumers narrow down the thousands of live deals from LivingSocial. It lets consumers customize their interests and find the perfect deal.

The other update involves the checkout process. It is now easier to choose payment methods and add promo codes, according to Mr. Maas.

Consumers can add a preferred payment option to speed up the purchasing process.

Mobile deals 
LivingSocial has been quite active in the mobile arena in the six or so years it has been around.

In 2011, the company placed mobile video and voice-over ads within Pandora?s mobile app in order to drive consumers to sign up to receive geo-targeted daily deal offers (see story).

In 2012, LivingSocial rolled out interstitial ads in the SongPop iPhone app to drive app downloads (see story).

Additionally, the company recently partnered with TicketFly to enhance its ticket purchasing services (see story).

?LivingSocial is committed to providing great deals on the go,? Mr. Maas said. ?LivingSocial has more deals now than ever before with great, new inventory popping up every day.

?Currently there are over 8,000 offers live across our platform,? he said. "With these upgrades to our mobile app, we?re making it easier for consumers to explore, share and buy in the moment, wherever they may be.?

Final Take
Rebecca Borison is editorial assistant on Mobile Marketer, New York