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Google+ Local sees reviews from friends, Zagat invade your restaurant hunts (video)
We'd been wondering what Google would do following its acquisition of Zagat, and now we know: it's part of Google+ Local, a boost to Maps, general search, and Google+ itself. Zagat's point system now automatically shows up in search results for restaurants that have been given the extra scrutiny. Those of us who don't trust The Man for reviews will also now see Google+ friends' picks surface at the same time. The addition is considered important enough that Google is even adding a Local tab on Google+ just to show recommendations, so you won't have to abandon your constant updating (you're always posting on Google+, right?) to find a well-rated sushi place. Local should be live soon, if not now, and will make search plus Your World that much more omnipresent.
Free GPS-enabled mobile nav app from amAze
Although it really is not the first "free" mobile navigation app designed for J2ME-enabled, GPS-containing handsets, LocatioNet Systems is billing its 'amAze' product as such. AmAze (that's not a typo, heh) is apparently the first mapping, navigation and local search product specifically tailored to the UK. The app features standard location fare like satellite images, route planning and even weather forecasts. Topping it off is voice guidance via external Bluetooth GPS device or from your J2ME handset's built-in GPS. LocatioNet is able to give this app away free using ads integrated into the software itself, even going as far as displaying location-based ads derived from your exact location. Yes, something, somewhere will know you're next to that pizza joint and will send you "free slice" coupon or something. Hit up www.amazegps.com to download it if you're so inclined.
Azeroth the Google Maps way
MapWoW is a nifty site which uses the Google Maps API to let you zoom and pan from Ashenvale to Zul'Gurub. While maps of WoW aren't rare, the depth of this one seems to have taken the Internet by storm, with sites from Slashdot to Fark covering it. I usually find the in-game maps suffice, but when they're not up to scratch, this should do the trick nicely.[Thanks, Wordman]
