Search Briefs
+ InfoSpace Begins Beta of New Local Directory Search Service
Quite the busy day in Seattle at the Infospace HQ. First, the new location-based search l deal with Sprint Nextel (see below) and also the launch (beta) of a new local directory service/interface. More here.
Fast Facts about InfoSpace Beta
++ Residential and business listings
++ Interface consists of two search boxes (”Who or What” and Where)
++ Search by Neighboorhood Option (Example: Greenwhich Village; Country Club Plaza, MO; Lincoln Park Neighborhood, IL)
++ Search near Landmarks (Example: Independence Mall, PA)
++ More examples here
++ Refine by (Distance/Radius, Name, Business Category)
++ View Results on Map (Uses MSN MapPoint Technology)
++ “What’s Nearby” Feature on Each Entry Page
++ Links to Send Entries Direct to Mobile Phone (Other Offer This Feature) and Get Driving Directions
++ Directory data from InfoUSA and Acxiom
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+ Sprint to offer local search on phones (via Reuters)
This fee-based service ($2.99) combines location-aware services (the phone knows where you are) to help you find theatres, restaurants, etc. It’s powered by InfoSpace. “Initially Sprint and InfoSpace do not plan to charge businesses for being listed in the directory but such services are eventually expected to create advertising revenue.” The Sprint/InfoSpace deal is non-exclusive. It also doesn’t stop someone from using other mobile web directory services. Requires download. I do think the location-based technology coupled with local search is quite powerful. We will test the service asap. More in this news release.
See Also: WiFi Location Finder + Local Info = Loki (Free)

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