Coming soon to shop and restaurant windows near you: Google Maps pointer logos. These decals will allow patrons and passer-bys to learn more about the business by using wireless Near Field Communication technology (NFC for short). Currently available on Nexus S Google Android phones and potentially in the next version of the iPhone and iPad, NFC transfers contact info, sales hours and other data to the user's phone without the need for a web browser or other application.
In Google's attempt to "go local" in tech-savvy cities, Austin is the second community the large search engine company has launched the Hotpot program. In December, it started in Portland, Oregon, another young and tech focused location. Not only does this give Google a way to compete with check-in programs like Gowalla and ratings/recommendation programs like Yelp, it is a new way for local businesses to interact with customers. This will allow the 500 million local searches on Google to become more personalized and pass along more relevant information.
To kick off the Austin venture, Google partnered with Torchy's and gave out free tacos on Friday. Keep your eyes peeled for more promotions like this in the near future, as well as those Google Maps decals. More information on Google's Austin Hotpot plans here
In Google's attempt to "go local" in tech-savvy cities, Austin is the second community the large search engine company has launched the Hotpot program. In December, it started in Portland, Oregon, another young and tech focused location. Not only does this give Google a way to compete with check-in programs like Gowalla and ratings/recommendation programs like Yelp, it is a new way for local businesses to interact with customers. This will allow the 500 million local searches on Google to become more personalized and pass along more relevant information.
To kick off the Austin venture, Google partnered with Torchy's and gave out free tacos on Friday. Keep your eyes peeled for more promotions like this in the near future, as well as those Google Maps decals. More information on Google's Austin Hotpot plans here
