LocalGuides
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Google sources short video clips to go inside Google Maps
Beyond satellite imagery and Street View cars, Google has used Local Guides to add a personal touch to its Maps. Until recently the group of users updated information, uploaded still images and submitted reviews, but a recent email noted that they can also upload video clips (at least from an Android device). According to TechCrunch, the feature has been live for a couple of weeks, allowing Guides to record 10-second video clips from within the Google Maps app, or upload a 30-second video from their camera roll.
Google Maps Q&A feature taps into local expertise
While it's still just a beta release, the latest version of Google Maps (9.59.0, available as an APK installation) has some new features worth looking at. Key among those is a "questions & answers" section that lets you pose a query about a restaurant or attraction like the Eiffel Tower. In response, you can "get advice from the owner & broader community," according to Google, including from Local Guides or other experts.
Google gives its Local Guides more perks and higher levels
Google's Local Guides program has grown to more than 30 million members in the three years since its inception. Participants earn points towards rewards from the company for leaving Yelp-like reviews at their favorite local spots. But like any online multiplayer game, given enough time, players will reach their level cap. That's why Google announced on Tuesday that it is offering a new points system with new ways to earn them and a higher level cap with different perks.
Google brings Foursquare-like favorite lists to Maps
You can now create Spotify-like "playlists" of your favorite local spots on Google Maps that your friends can share and follow. The feature, which Google recently rolled out to Local Guide users, lets you create "Favorites," "Starred Places," "Want to Go" and your own custom lists. The idea is to "start flexing your local knowledge muscles," Google said, and benefit from the inside info of other folks by following their lists.
Google's got a new travel app, but it's not ready for the masses
Google's cooking up a new travel app that combines the best of Maps with Now, the company's prescient personal assistant. Except Trips, as it's apparently called, is not quite ready for primetime (or the Google Play store) as of yet. News of the app's existence comes via Dutch site AndroidWorld which obtained screenshots of Trips from Local Guides users, a community-driven offshoot of Google Maps.
Google rewards restaurant reviewers with 1TB storage
Did you know that Google has its own, homegrown rival to services like Yelp and TripAdvisor? You do now. The search engine is hoping to improve the quality of its offering by handing perks to its unpaid contributors that keep everything updated. Before, they'd simply be provided recognition for their efforts, but now the firm will hand out some pretty tasty bonuses to those who make the most effort. Every review that you write will earn you a point, as will uploading photos, adding new locations to the database, fixing old errors and answering people's questions.
