Facebook cagey on location feature launch

Facebook will not give a launch date for its location feature

Fresh details have emerged about Facebook's upcoming location-based feature, but the company has denied reports that it is already working with marketers on the product.

The code for the feature is available on the touch.facebook.com site, and follows a report in Advertising Age which claimed that McDonald's is already in discussions with Facebook to use the feature to increase business.

The fast food chain will reportedly use the application to reach customers near local stores and allow them to share eating experiences with friends.

However, Facebook has issued a statement saying that no marketers will be part of the launch, although it did not rule out forming such partnerships in the future.

"We have been working on a location feature for a while but don't have immediate plans to announce anything," said Facebook.

"There are currently no plans to add marketing partners to this programme. We only launch products to marketers if it is already popular with people and there is a clear benefit for people and companies alike."

Facebook will be entering the proven location-based social network market pioneered by companies such as Foursquare and Gowalla.

Foursquare announced in March that it had nearly 725,000 users after just one year in business. The firm allows users to 'check in' to locations when they arrive, such as museums, restaurants and parks, and let their contacts know where they are.