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Google Base To Replace Froogle
An anonymous reader writes "Google plans to introduce a new shopping feature in time for the holiday season. Soon products on Google Base will be searchable via the regular search box. Simultaneously, Google intends to de-emphasize its own Froogle shopping search engine; Google intends for Froogle to no longer be a standalone Web site." From the article: "When people search for products on Google.com, the system will present them with another search box so that they can refine their query, according to Bear Stearns & Co analysts. After people refine their query, Google takes them to a second page populated with product results from the Google Base listings service. 'Ranking will be determined by the attributes that the sellers listed for the product as well as by relevancy,' the analysts wrote. Currently, Google has no plans to monetise this product-search capability with display ads or listing fees, but that could change, they wrote. "
That seems like it would be important imformation to include in the summary, but, oh well. There it is. The "Why."
Merry Christmas.
The heavens do not fall for such a trifle.
Good replies guys, that added a little more for me to think about. I hadn't thought of Google using their regular search algorithm in froogle, but that is almost exactly what seemed to be occuring. I certainly hope that they will refine that so that we can find results that are very relevant, instead of just "kinda sorta".
Also, very interesting about Google advertising and conflict of interest in search returns that they had. There has to be a better way to do it. Perhaps to display exact pricing, but those that pay for advertising get their names highlighted and get use of Google Checkout. Or something along those lines. There has to be some benefit to advertising... while still allowing the search results to accurately display pricing and ratings (depending on which you refine your search).
Anyways, interesting reading your points.
Justin - Don't be afraid of my blog, it won't bite.
As I already said, I got my first iPod, a 15GB 3rd gen for $15. Got my second, a 4GB nano for $80.