Google launched Google Places location service , in fact, it is upgraded from Local Business Center, and Google renamed the service and increase the number of new features including local search, maps, lists, instant updates, development of QR codes, coupons, and commercial image shooting functions.

Websites offer location-based services, including Foursquare, Gowalla and Twitter, are launched from the social point of view with local business listings and coupons and other services, and Google enter the market from the search engine field.

Google said for every five search there is one geographic positioning related, the local search in Google revenue share is still small. Google hopes more company set up its homepage on Google Places, update real-time information, and can be further purchase the localised search advertising; currently there are 4 million companies use this service.

Company pay 25 dollars a month fee to buy “tag”. When users use Google Maps service to find business, the tag will appear in the list. Google also provides company with QR codes, and mobile phone users can use the code to visit the company’s home pages and coupons on Google place.

In addition, company can also published real-time information on Google Place, not only to determine the service area, but also upload photos. Google Places has powerful search function, but has yet to integrate Twitter and Facebook information, hence it is lack of social functioning.

Edited By Henry Lu