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Google knows where you are, offers localized search results
Google has been throwing some mapped results into general searches for a while. But now they're a whole lot more likely to be relevant, because Google is triangulating your geographic location based on your IP address and other information to give you search results in your area.
The end result is pretty useful. If you search for restaurants, post offices, libraries, or chain stores like Starbucks or Best Buy, there's a good chance Google will show you local results from your area complete with links, phone numbers, and a position on a map.
On the other hand, there's something a bit creepy about this new feature. I'm sure I'll get over it just like I got over the creepy, "wait, Google must be reading my email if the service can offer contextually relevant ads" jitters. But you can certainly file this under the category of "how much information do you really want any one company to have about you?"
The end result is pretty useful. If you search for restaurants, post offices, libraries, or chain stores like Starbucks or Best Buy, there's a good chance Google will show you local results from your area complete with links, phone numbers, and a position on a map.
On the other hand, there's something a bit creepy about this new feature. I'm sure I'll get over it just like I got over the creepy, "wait, Google must be reading my email if the service can offer contextually relevant ads" jitters. But you can certainly file this under the category of "how much information do you really want any one company to have about you?"
Comments
4
Subscribe to commentsbensonApr 7th 2009 4:12PM
That's ok, as it's got my location completely wrong so far. I am in MN, and it thinks I am in Virginia...
purplecomet84Apr 7th 2009 4:22PM
It's helpful from home, but at work my IP is based in Chicago and I'm in Seattle. I've already noticed it in my gmail inbox ads. No, I don't so much care about luxury rooftops overlooking Wrigley Field.
Steve GApr 7th 2009 9:31PM
Surely for most private customers, the IP will lead to the location of their ISP.
That's what seems to be happening for me.
QuikboyApr 9th 2009 7:41AM
Live Search, has been doing localized search for quite a long time...