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Jeeves Told You Where To Go, Mate
By David Utter
Expert Author
Article Date: 2005-08-26
The Ask Jeeves search engine adds maps and driving directions to its offerings, but only for users of its UK site.
Google and Yahoo have been fighting to enhance their local search products with mapping technology. Now, IAC's Ask Jeeves has begun testing out maps for Ireland and the UK on its UK portal.
BIOS Magazine notes Navteq delivers the mapping and directions technology used by the site. Directions best suited for driving or walking can be generated; it will be interesting to see if Ask offers the latter if it should launch the service for the US.
In the article, Ask Jeeves cites a YouGov survey where 36 percent of respondents have trouble with maps and have nearly missed meetings or dates as a result. Another 7 percent claim never to have made it to their destination.
Back to walking directions - they could work in America, despite the obsession we have with driving everywhere. After all, Steven Wright correctly points out that "everywhere is walking distance if you have the time."
About the Author:
David Utter is a staff writer for WebProNews covering technology and business. Email him here.
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