Google Maps Features Weather Channel Data

Google Maps has teamed up with The Weather Channel to integrate weather details. So, if you're planning a trip and don't know whether to pack your Uggs or Oxfords, you can simultaneously get the weather information for your intended destination along with the directions.

From Google.com, type a city name, for example, and click "Google Search" and select "Maps" from the top left or from the search results. From Google Maps, click on the "My Maps" tab and check the option for "The Weather Channel" under the Featured Content section. And voila! You get the overall lay of the land and corresponding temperatures. Click on the temperature bubble on the map for your location of choice and out pops the forecast compliments of weather.com. You can also filter your results further for specific weather overlays, points of interests (cities, airports, etc.), and temperature settings (celsius or fahrenheit).

AdWords Introduces Local PlusBox

Today, Google Adwords, the Google advertising program where users choose keywords to create their own ads and advertise on Google SERP pages and ad network, has introduced a new feature called AdWords Local PlusBox. Local PlusBox provides mapping and tel info for local business ads appearing in the "Sponsored Links" section above the search results of a Google SERP page. These ads will have a plus icon (+) next to the business address and when users click on it, the ad expands to include a map, address, driving instructions, and phone number, in addition to the location name that appears beneath the last line of ad. Even better for advertisers, they will not have to pay for clicks on Local PlusBox, maps, or driving instructions; only for clicks that take users to their landing pages. This new feature is being rolled out to US, Canada, UK, and Germany and should be available in the next week or so.

This is a natural and useful extension of the mapping feature for both advertisers and users. Currently, in the main search results, the mapping feature exists for some listings. It makes sense that for the top sponsors this should be enabled as well. It is convenient, all-encompassing, and complete information all on the same page. No mention of if this feature will eventually roll out to the Sponsored Links in the right rail of Google SERP pages as well; although, there is less real estate to play with there in terms of the width of that column and might require either adjusting the width of the map or column.

Nasdaq Launches Internet Index

The Nasdaq (Nasdaq:NDAQ) today announced it has launched the NASDAQ Internet Index (Nasdaq:QNET). The Index is a new benchmark designed to track the performance of companies engaged in a broad range of internet-related services such as:

1) internet access providers
2) internet search engines
3) web hosting
4) website design
5) internet retail commerce

"The NASDAQ Internet Index is comprised of securities of companies that are at the forefront of internet technology. They are leading innovators in providing faster internet access, creating more intuitive e-commerce experiences, and developing the second generation Web," said NASDAQ Senior Vice President Steven Bloom.

However, they NASDAQ did not provide a break down of the index composition. Many in internet industry have relied on Google (Nasdaq:GOOG) to be a proxy of the internet industry. Why not! Google operates:

1) the largest search engine
2) the largest online advertising network
3) the largest online video site
4) the third largest social networking site
5) one of the largest payment flow services, email and mapping services

Soon Google will be a big player in:
6) mobile applications
7) productivity applications
8) online storage services (other than email)

Google Acquires Imaging America

Google has acquired high resolution aerial photography camera company to boost Google's mapping service. Google's mapping technology power popular products such as Google Earth, Google Maps and it is a key piece of Google Local and Google Mobile services.

Are we there yet?

Soon passengers's on Virgin America will be able to know where they are thanks to Google. Virgin America, announced that Google's map technology on all seat-back computer screens. Passengers will be able to locate where they are, how far they are from their destination and how much time is remaining in the flight, in addition to being able to pan and zoom at eight different levels.