Google Maps are already winging their way across the skies courtesy of a partnership with jetBlue. Now Google and gas pump maker Gilbarco Veeder-Root have announced a partnership that will bring Google Maps down to earth and provide driving directions, local search, and coupons to 3,500 Internet-enabled gas pumps across the US.
"Getting directions at the pump is safer than using internet-enabled devices from the driver’s seat and far more reliable than just asking a stranger," said Kirsten Paust, vice president of global retail systems at Gilbarco Veeder-Root in a press release. "We believe consumers will prefer convenience stores that deliver useful information and ultimate convenience. Retailers who use these tools will make themselves more valuable to consumers and gain the competitive edge."
Google's service supposedly won't include ads, but retailers can offer coupons through gas pumps, which will make money for participating filling stations -- you know, kind of like ads. For now, the pumps can only print directions to locations available through Google's local search results, but Gilbarco Veeder-Root eventually hopes to allow motorists to type in destinations at the pump.
The Google-powered gas pumps should begin to be rolled out across the US early next month.
Image credit: engadget.
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Nice idea. But what I find interesting is that they could theoretically now track how people travel about from one station to another. If you type in your destination at the pump they could store that and record what stations people stop at while on their way to various destinations. And with them offering coupons (which Im assuming is to get you to stop at the next station you see) they will get your information even if you dont use the map a second time.
Posted by: Jason | November 7, 2007 7:33 AM
This is nonsense in the mobile internet area...
Posted by: Alexis Brion | November 7, 2007 8:32 AM
I could see why it would be good to get directions, especially if you could print them, but GPS is fairly cheap. This could be pretty bad. It's bad enough to wait in line for gas but to wait an extra 5 minutes because some moron can't type.
Posted by: lou | November 7, 2007 8:41 AM
Another useful feature by Google. I love the way they are rolling out something or the other new every now and then. The number of fields they have entered is uncountable and one day for sure they are going to touch the GOD status (atleast near it a little)
They recently launched a service here in India (only the major cities) where as one enters any shopping mall he/she can find the details of things being sold at that mall and at which shop using there mobile. And the service costs the user not even a single dime. Still waiting to get hold of this service of there in my city but I am sure it must be a rocker..
Posted by: CompuWorld | November 7, 2007 10:40 AM
"I could see why it would be good to get directions, especially if you could print them, but GPS is fairly cheap. This could be pretty bad. It's bad enough to wait in line for gas but to wait an extra 5 minutes because some moron can't type."
Hahaha I thought it was a great idea until I saw this. Too true...
Posted by: Weili | November 7, 2007 3:24 PM
While one the pump might be a bit of a problem, having one or two on the island or near the store would be nice. I doubt the owner would be real interested in keeping paper in the machine for printing though.
Posted by: ADAC | November 7, 2007 8:50 PM
Who is waiting in line for gas? I mean sure, once in a while I hit a busy gas station and I have to wait for one car to finish before getting my turn, but I hardly call that a line.
That aside, I am pretty sure this is intended to be done whilst gas is still pumping, meaning it should not take any longer to fill-er-up.
But what do I know.
Posted by: Kamen | November 8, 2007 7:06 AM