It's been more than a year since Foursquare launched its Android app, one of the reasons why the mobile location service continues to lead the pack. But Seattle-based Pelago, maker of the competing Whrrl app, is trying to make inroads on its larger rival. Today, Pelago made a step in that direction with its own Android application, which allows users to share their location by checking in at local establishments.

"But we didn’t just build an Android app for you… we also included a custom Whrrl widget for your Android phone, which will turn it into a compass for ideas you want to do," the company notes in a blog post. "Based on where you are, Whrrl will show you the closest ideas saved to your want-to list. You can then click the idea and map it."

Whrrl is hoping to set itself apart from Foursquare, Gowalla and others by touting what it calls "societies," real world groups built around various interests. There are currently more than 3,000 societies set up on Whrrl. By participating in the societies, users earn the chance to win prizes ranging from gas to shows in Las Vegas.

Here's a closer look at how the new Android app works.