In 2015, Google introduced Popular Times, a feature integrated into Google's search engine that lets users know how populated a certain place is at any given time. This concept was recently improved and transformed into real-time by Google today.
The Popular Times widget will pop up when a user looks for a restaurant in Google maps and Google Search. The technology utilizes amassed anonymized location data and searches to determine how busy a certain place is. The ability to obtain the crowd in a certain location will help users where and when to go.
Google Maps is now able to give users service hours. Users can access to several of department stores, businesses, and restaurants. Google also claims that Popular Times can give users the access to see how long people typically stay at a given location. It is unlikely, however, that this will be accessible in every location in the world for now, but it is available for locations where Google has ample amount of real-time information.
Google Maps is a free navigational system to get consumers' attention. Soon enough, Google will monetize its maps as a platform for advertising. Google maps' ability to streamline consumers makes it a perfect venue for businesses looking for a boost in their local marketing and advertising efforts. Forbes reported that analysts from Morgan Stanley expect businesses to pay Google $1.5 billion in Maps revenue alone in 2017.
Google Maps have replaced the old yellow pages with more detailed information available to users. Businesses must take advantage of Google's generous offer of free advertising given the details the app can provide to its users in the advent of Popular Times' real-time upgrade. With the coming holidays, indeed, Google Maps' real-time upgrade is the perfect present to those who want to live a stress-free holiday season.
