Google Takes Local Search Service out of Beta
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Elizabeth Millard
Google (Nasdaq: GOOG - news) has brought its local search service out of beta, giving users the ability to search for specific locations within towns and find information on local attractions, restaurants and hotels.
Google Local presents users first with a map of the U.S. and Canada, from which they can either zoom in or type in an address or location. The service offers both satellite and online maps, or merges them into a hybrid map. Results can be combined with restaurant or building searches, or business listings.
"With today's launch of Google Local, users will be able to go to one location to find all the local and mapping information they need," said Marissa Mayer, Google's director of consumer Web products. "Whether it's directions to the nearest pharmacy or reviews of nearby dim sum restaurants, we will continue to develop innovative technologies that enrich our users' lives."Thinking Locally
Search sites have been adding to their local search capabilities for the past year in particular, hoping that locally based advertisers will find the popularity of such offerings worthy of investment.
But it still remains to be seen whether any one search engine can conquer those markets and whether local users will be drawn to the features.
"The model is still being built, but obviously search companies like Google believe that there's a strong appeal to local content," said Yankee Group analyst Patrick Mahoney. "People are starting to use these services more often, but we'll have to see if that translates to revenues."
Map Store
In creating more local content, search companies like Google have been especially keen to enhance online maps and driving directors. Within the past year, map features have been updated at Google, MSN, AOL (NYSE: AOL - news), Mapquest and Amazon's (Nasdaq: AMZN - news) A9.
"If one search company does it, they all have to do it, or they'll suffer," said Mahoney. "That's one of the reasons there's no clear leader, because they can all add features so fast. If you see one search site looking like it has a unique offering, just wait a couple months and everyone will have it."
The fierce competition should benefit users, Mahoney said. "Because they're all working so hard to outdo each other, it means more features for us," he noted.
Article submitted by: Some1
Last Update: 10-07-2005
Category: Off Topic Info
Google (Nasdaq: GOOG - news) has brought its local search service out of beta, giving users the ability to search for specific locations within towns and find information on local attractions, restaurants and hotels.
Google Local presents users first with a map of the U.S. and Canada, from which they can either zoom in or type in an address or location. The service offers both satellite and online maps, or merges them into a hybrid map. Results can be combined with restaurant or building searches, or business listings.
"With today's launch of Google Local, users will be able to go to one location to find all the local and mapping information they need," said Marissa Mayer, Google's director of consumer Web products. "Whether it's directions to the nearest pharmacy or reviews of nearby dim sum restaurants, we will continue to develop innovative technologies that enrich our users' lives."Thinking Locally
Search sites have been adding to their local search capabilities for the past year in particular, hoping that locally based advertisers will find the popularity of such offerings worthy of investment.
But it still remains to be seen whether any one search engine can conquer those markets and whether local users will be drawn to the features.
"The model is still being built, but obviously search companies like Google believe that there's a strong appeal to local content," said Yankee Group analyst Patrick Mahoney. "People are starting to use these services more often, but we'll have to see if that translates to revenues."
Map Store
In creating more local content, search companies like Google have been especially keen to enhance online maps and driving directors. Within the past year, map features have been updated at Google, MSN, AOL (NYSE: AOL - news), Mapquest and Amazon's (Nasdaq: AMZN - news) A9.
"If one search company does it, they all have to do it, or they'll suffer," said Mahoney. "That's one of the reasons there's no clear leader, because they can all add features so fast. If you see one search site looking like it has a unique offering, just wait a couple months and everyone will have it."
The fierce competition should benefit users, Mahoney said. "Because they're all working so hard to outdo each other, it means more features for us," he noted.
Article submitted by: Some1
Last Update: 10-07-2005
Category: Off Topic Info
Current rating: 5.36 by 41 users
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