Two Google-related shopping items, just in time for the biggest shopping day of the year.

Froogle now contains local shopping information. Enter a product and location information, say ipod nano 19070 and you’ll see price info on the left-hand side of the page and a Google map on the right-hand side. Where does Google get the inventory info? They won’t say. But they do mention that they would like retailers to use Google Base to upload their inventory data.

Blogger Greg Yardley notes that Google appears to be testing “Click-to-Call” AdWords, which have a green telephone handset next to them. The Google FAQ states, “When you click the phone icon, you can enter your phone number. Once you click ‘Connect For Free,’ Google calls the number you provided. When you pick up, you hear ringing on the other end as Google connects you to the other party. Then, chat away on our dime.” FYI, I haven’t been able to trigger these ads. (Believe me, I’ve tried. I even figured escort services philadelphia would — ahem — do the trick. Alas, no.)

Submitted by: Dan Giancaterino, Internet Librarian
on November 23, 2005 - 2:52 pm

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