Local Search at the Pump
Google has struck a deal with gas pump kiosk maker Gilbarco Veeder-Root to implement Google Maps on the company’s Applause media system. The touch screens on the pumps offer a live Internet connection, so customers will be able to look up local businesses by category or name, and print out driving directions or coupons.
At the Google Lat-Long Blog, Karen Roter Davis compares this implementation to the in-flight maps Google offers on JetBlue and Virgin America flights.
This is an interesting way to bring Google Maps to the average consumer, especially those who are not early mobile device adopters. The couponing element is interesting too, especially if Google eventually offers targeting to these kinds of kiosks specifically.