Long time readers know I am a fan of Google Maps but think Google Local has a bit of work to do.
Now the two have been mashed up by Google.
From the release:
Google Inc. (NASDAQ: GOOG) today
announced the official launch of Google Local, merging the technologies
behind Google Local and Google Maps. No longer in beta in the U.S. and
Canada, users can visit http://local.google.com to find local search
and mapping information in one place.
“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, director, Consumer Web Products, Google Inc. “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.”
As far as I can tell there have not been any improvements in Local, but that is coming, the release says. My suggestion remains: harness user feedback like Yahoo has….
No “improvements”, but did you also notice there are no longer any ads in Local? The model there seems to have moved from multi-page to this single-page map balloon model.
Google has certianly done a great thing merging these two sites…..however…the bad thing is that two sites by themselves had a lot of value and should have been allowed to exist independently as well….but then who is listening maybe Ted Nelson….ask him.
I dont like it …Maps & Local Search should be separate
I have to say, I thought this would happen.
However, there was no real reason for switching the layout of the mapping page, it just looks wrong now. Check it out, the mapping used to be on the left hand side of the page, with the other content on the right… now it’s the other way round. Wonky