Google"s local information service is to be expanded to the UK later this year. Google Local, as it"s called, will search for your nearest service - be it pizza or an electrician. American users have had their own local service for some time, although it"s still in beta.
The UK launch had been rumoured for some time, but was confirmed this week by Holger Meyer, head of Google Germany, Switzerland and Austria, who said it would be coming "later in the year". Speaking to the German trade magazine Der Handelsblatt, he said Britain would test the system before it rolled out over the rest of Europe in the coming years. "Google Local (which it will be called in all areas and zones) starts first in Great Britain... and only later in Germany," he said, but refused to be drawn on further details.
The American service has proved popular since it was launched, offering maps, addresses, contact numbers and the distance to your nearest business for a whole range of goods.