Alberta Business Marketing

Google Maps has had a somewhat chequered history until recently.  An example of a high visibility problem was that the Golden Ears Bridge in BC only appeared on Google Maps some 9 months after the bridge had been open and almost 3 years after construction started.

MapQuest, the competitor owned by AOL, was only a little better but that was no excuse for this less than stellar performance. 

Despite this, Google Maps has been showing reasonable growth.

On the Web, Google Maps drew 67.3 million unique views in February, according to Nielsen, while MapQuest tallied 24.7 million. Yahoo Local (YHOO) was third at 13.1 million.

Now in a major initiative, Google Maps has taken a commanding lead by taking Google Maps indoors.

 

A walkthrough of Google maps outlines what this offers

Go Indoors

Maps aren’t only for cities and countries — they’re useful inside buildings, too. Next time you’re running through an airport or shopping in a mall, use Google Maps on your mobile phone to find a specific place or discover cool spots nearby.

The Fortune article explains why Google Maps is headed indoors

By including indoor spaces to the Android version of its Maps service, Google is positioning itself to take advantage of two concurrent trends: the spread of mobile communications and the increasing privatization of public space.

As yet only a handful of indoor venues are included: stores such as Bloomingdale's, Macy's (M) and Home Depot (HD); airports in Chicago, Atlanta and San Francisco; transit centers and other spaces in Japan; and malls including the Mall of America outside Minneapolis.

Any other private indoor space can provide the information to be included and the maps are 3-dimensional so it is possible to find your way around on any floor of a multi-floor building.  Clearly this will meet a real need since you can identify where you are in a building via your smartphone.  As yet it is only available on Android phones but an iPhone application cannot be long in coming.

Chapeau, Google, indoor Google Maps will prove to be a real winner without a doubt.

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Indoor Google Maps

Technorati Tags: android, indoors, interior, iPhone, maps

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As we turn another page and enter a new decade, I find myself thinking about technology and restaurants. As a customer, how do you see handheld technology being used to enhance your dining experience?
I captured this bit of video while trolling the aisles of the BC Hospitality Expo in Vancouver late last year. The video shows a handheld (iPhone) app that servers can use to be more efficient at handling the orders and billing of their guests.

I am also reflecting on how restaurants can use QR Codes to tell the behind the scenes stories of the meals they deliver to folks in the dining room. One really creative restaurant in New Jersey recently began using QR codes to link to videos showcasing the Ethiopain cultural connection of some of the meals they serve. The diner, clicking on the QR Code links to the video and watches the short Youtube Video. Nice. The restaurant doesn’t even have to create the video content, just has to make the connection for their diner.

How could a brew pub showcase their pride in craftsmanship or educate the customer on how their product is made? How could you give behind the scenes access to your kitchen recipes or showcase where your local food is purchased by filming a short video with a local farmer?

How do you think restaurants could utilize the power of handhelds to enhance the dining experience for their ideal guests? Have you seen anything innovative in this space?

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photo © 2007 Alexandre Dulaunoy | more info (via: Wylio)
This post is 100% unsubsidized, personal referral because
http://www.toktumi.com/ and Line2 for iPhone or iPod or even iPad make for a great portable office.

I’m using this service on my iPod and computer – Line2 turns even an iPod into a phone for 10 bucks a month or less. With a phone number and everything. Try it free for 30 days.
I tried it free for one day, and then subscribed.

Includes North American calls (incoming and outgoing) Free.
When I travel, you guessed it. I can make calls from anywhere in the world to North America.
for FREE on wifi, and Folks can call me back on my number as if they were calling my North American number.

I have a phone number but I don’t have a phone.

Yes, my iPod. Also works on an iPhone. It runs as an app in the background.  You don’t need to keep it open.  You can do anything you want, and the call announces itself.
It rings my iPod or my computer. My choice. Hilarious.

It uses wifi. Also works on computer with wifi or ethernet.
Got an iPad – turn the sucker into a phone. Why not? It can have its own phone number.

Transfers calls anywhere…. Yes, transfers calls. “Oh, sorry, you should speak with Martha” , click a button and forward the call. wicked good stuff.
Conference calls – up to 20 Free. Yes, included in the service. Just dial each person one after another and you’ve got a conference going, even on your iPod Touch.  Yes it does. Try it, if you don’t believe me.

You can even change your phone number to work with Toktumi or Line2.

First thing in the new year, I’m going to do what I can to get Bell Canada out of our office and get a few lines like this where we manage our calls on our computers. Each computer can have a headset and its own number. Transfering calls instead of picking up an extension. The only question, what will we do with the thousands of dollars we save each year?

My phone number sits at my computer and travels with me when I go away – on my iPhone or iPod.
It’s blowing my mind how we will save money with this revolutionary service.
Give it a try and tell us how you like it.

Unfortunately, this service is still only available in North America.  Sorry chums.

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Facebook is pursuing a trademark on the word “Face” and has filed litigation against a Website that includes the name “book” in their URL.  Some in the accommodation industry may consider that Facebooks new “Check in” service, that has found its way into the mobile version of the website and the Facebook App (accessible to iPhone, iPod, Blackberry and Android devices), might some day pose a threat to the industry standard for guests announcing their arrival at the front desk.

In the meantime, Facebook Places provides a simple, handheld way for your guests to tell all their friends that they are at your location.

Why Facebook’s Places app matters?

• over 50% of web users have an account at Facebook.
• over 90% of people who earn at least $30 000 per year own a cell phone.
• over 35% of cell phones are Internet enabled devices.

It’s a fair guess that 2 of every 10 guests you are serving today has a handheld device and are capable of checking in on Facebook.

Whether an accommodation, food service, beverage service or attraction ask yourself this question.

“Would you like your clients to tell their friends that they are enjoying themselves at your location?”

Go ahead, I’ll give you a second to think about that.

OF COURSE YOU WOULD!!!!  Perhaps friends will come along to join the party, look you up online . . . at the bare minimum, you are going to score credibility points with all the friends of your guests who decide to check-in at your location.

So what do you need to do to encourage your guests to “Check in” on their mobile device?  Ask your guests to check in.

Call your guests to Action.

Give your guests a clear call to action.

Consider posting a sticker on your door, a sign in your waiting area, a rack card at your dining table that invites your guests to “Check in” on their handheld.  Consider offering an incentive to folks who check in – like a coupon for a free coffee on their next visit.

Of course there are a myriad of location-based games and associated apps – Gowalla, Foursquare, etc…. but the granddaddy of “Social” is Facebook.

What do you need to do to get started?

Go to your lobby or guest waiting area, turn on your handheld and point it to Facebook app or mobile website.  Click on the places tab and fill in your location.  If you are the first one to check in, you’ll be able to give your place a title and description.  All others who check in, will announce their arrival with the information you post as well as their own personal note.

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