Google Launches Local Search For India
You’re reading this here first: Google has launched a local search engine for India: Google Local. The site is currently in beta, and at http://local.google.co.in/. At the same time, http://local.google.com directs to Google Maps. More later, I’m just going to give Google Local a go.
Update:
The site’s still being developed – the Terms and Conditions and Help links to Google Maps pages. There are features reviews, apparently powered by Tripadvisor and Burrp, photos and weblinks. The site is by no means comprehensive, and businesses that are not listed, can add their details here. Compare results for Google Local with that for Guruji which uses Infomedia‘s data, for Pubs in Chandigarh.
Google has apparently decided to go solo for Local, and doesn’t seem to be relying rely on existing databases (like those of Infomedia and JustDial) tied up with Indiacom and Infomedia for listings. However, I’m surprised that they aren’t allowing users to add/update data: one major issue with existing local information databases in India is their redundancy, primarily due to the cost involved in updating. Is crowdsourcing a part of Google’ plans for Local (like for Google Maps)?
This launch would he a major dampener for existing local search engines/information sites – JustDial (SAIF Partners funded), Guruji (Sequoia Capital funded), Laila (Matrix Partners funded), Zook from Ziva Software (funding from Nadathur), MIH’s Dwaar, Burrp, OnYoMo. Some of them were considered to be possible acquisition targets for Google.
Update: Well, I thought we had the story it first, but as is pointed out in the comments, a Google employee had blogged about it earlier. We got the story independently.
Update: Google has issued a press release for the launch of two services: Google Local, and Google Search in 14 Indic languages, which we had reported on Thursday.
I first read this almost a month ago. So I am wondering what makes you say, you are reading it first here ?
Nice
Old News…..
pls put it under You heard it last here!
Sunil: thanks for the headsup. Have updated the post.
Anon: no point in doing that. I'm sure you'll hear about this from other publications.
tough crowd for a monday, got a long week ahead.
looks promising, for gathering local information they may be using the Google Local Business Referrals (LBR) program.
big deal!!! I think guruji still rocks and will give google the run for money in India….its now India vs US ….I played the recent contest at guruji too and I think it was an amazing way to get me to use their product and i feel these guys will make a huge difference..i am by all means with guruji and their big supporter having moved away from google to guruji..for me all that defines india is guruji…GURUJI'S forge ahead INDIA is with you all the way.!!!
Keith i agree to you man Guruji is way head compared to google, have all you guys checked guruji local search you will find the difference …… Don't be surprise seeing this result i my staying in mumbai for the past 30 years and i was surprised that UK was in Andheri Mumbai ………. search for Pizza hut in Andheri (E) on guruji.com and google you will find the difference .
How long do you think before google local swallows guruji, et al .
Look up specific restaurants – you get Trip Advisor and Burrp reviews…….