Google has rolled out a new crossbreed service of Google+ and Zagat named Google+ Local on Wednesday. By using the ‘Local’ tool, users can discover and share information about nearby places which is actually featuring Zagat scores and recommendations from trusted Google+ users. Beside that, the new service embodies information from Zagat, which Google has bought for $151 million last September.
Google has already ensured a powerhouse in mobile OS through Android, laptop and Desktop OS through Chrome. The company has also invested heavily in location data through Google Maps and related services such as Google Places.
The new Local icon located on the left hand side of Google+, which inspires users to learn more about the places. When you will search to know about a restaurant or store through the Local tab, your Google+ page will show all information with photos, addresses and hours of business, as well as Zagat scores, summaries and people reviews.
Zagat founders Nina and Tim Zagat wrote Wednesday on their Google Plus social-networking page “Now, the world’s highest-quality reviews are available to more people, whether they are at their desks or on the go.”
Zagat is still charging $10 a year for using an application which is designed for Apple’s iPhone and iPad. Though Google gives a hint that in the long run the company may drop that fee.
Avni Shah, Google director of product management said, “Each place you see in Google+ Local will now be scored using Zagat’s 30-point scale, which tells you all about the various aspects of a place so you can make the best decisions.”
Shah also said “Since your friends haven’t always been to the places you want to go, if you are going to London or Bangkok, Google+ Local will look at places you have rated highly before and make similar recommendations, we want to build a community based on a sense of trust, and we will continue to roll out new features and tools that reinforce that that concept.”
Source: Mashable
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