08/13, 4:12pm
Travel products may roll into Zagat ratings
The Wall Street Journal is reporting that Google will soon close a deal that will see the search giant acquire the Frommer's travel brand from a publicly-owned company. The acquisition -- in combination with Google's acquisition of Zagat last year -- will give the search giant an even greater suite of product, service, and location rating capabilities. The financial aspects of the acquisition have yet to be announced, and the Journal says Google is still looking into exactly how it will roll Frommer's services into its own. A note on Frommer's web site confirmed the acquisition today.
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12/13, 6:15pm
Google may get auto recommended food guides
Google on Tuesday bought Clever Sense, a young startup that had only recently released its first Android and iOS app. The deal supplies the technology behind Alfred, which provides automatic restaurant and night club recommendations based on location and past visits. Exact aims weren't outlined, but Clever Sense co-founder Babak Pahlavan promised that it would "accelerate" the concept of personalized, intelligent local search.
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09/08, 12:20pm
Google acquires Zagat for mobile, Offers
Google made an aggressive leap Thursday with the buyout of Zagat. The deal gives it the pioneering hotel and restaurant rating guide firm for an undisclosed amount. Google was unspecific about exact details but said Zagat would be a "cornerstone of our local offering," according to Location VP Marissa Mayer.
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