- More on Google -

I heard about the new Froogle Local function a few days ago, but only had a chance to try it yesterday. According to this article in Betanews, it will be connected to Google Base, participation is free for retailers, and Google makes money by placing ads:

Google has plans to tie Google Base into its Froogle shopping search, which would allow users to scour a third-party database of product inventory. Such a service would take the guesswork out of finding what stores have the products a consumer wants, Google said.

Here is how it works: You go to http://froogle.google.com/ and type in the item and the location. Let's say, I want to find a Canon Powershot A520 digital camera in Austin, Texas. So I type in "canon powershot a520 austin" and hit the enter key. What do I get? A list of stores selling these cameras, with prices and locations, and a map of Austin where the stores are marked with little balloon icons. I can click on an icon in the list or on the maps to get driving directions.
Nifty idea, but so far there seems to be little content. I have found mostly items by the big electronics retailers. Results can also be somewhat off. A search for "rocking chair" returned a picture of a "Tuscan fire pit", and only by clicking on the picture did I see that it came with a "Tuscan rocking chair".
Overall, I have ounly found results provided by the big national retail chains, so the local aspect is not that pronounced. On the other hand, if retailers are responsible to provide Google with data, it is no surprise that small local merchants are not represented so far, as they do not have the time or staff for this.

Back to breakfast!
Cyberbeader
http://www.lovebeadsunlimited.com