Monday, December 4. 2006

Ask Goes Local

Ask today launches AskCity, its local search solution which ties its other properties by geography. Those properties include Ticketmaster.com, CitySearch.com, and others. Ask is currently #4 in the search wars, but I like that it's taken its time adding on features even as it reinvents itself, sans butler Jeeves. It's mapping is respectable, though rarely noted in GIS circles maybe due to lack of API? (I was told some time ago one would come.)

In any case AskCity has a few things going for it. First, it's not called Ask Local. I think AskCity is a good way to get the geographic idea in there without being too geeky. Second, it launches after many have tried Microsoft, Google and Yahoo's offerings. Today some 10% of searches are considered local searches.

Early reviews are positive especially for the multi-pane interface that puts maps, listings and more on a single page. Visitors can annote and share maps with friends. Those maps can include driving and walking directions.

- New York Times

Comments

Display comments as (Linear | Threaded)

No comments

Add Comment

Name
Email
Homepage
In reply to	[ Top level ]
Comment	Enclosing asterisks marks text as bold (*word*), underscore are made via _word_. Standard emoticons like :-) and ;-) are converted to images. E-Mail addresses will not be displayed and will only be used for E-Mail notifications To prevent automated Bots from commentspamming, please enter the string you see in the image below in the appropriate input box. Your comment will only be submitted if the strings match. Please ensure that your browser supports and accepts cookies, or your comment cannot be verified correctly. Enter the string from the spam-prevention image above:
	Remember Information?   Subscribe to this entry