Local and Maps..Catching up
I just happened to go back to onyomo as I heard they have released an SMS based local search service in a few cities (Bangalore et al). Though I like their SMS search ( I tried a couple of them and they got it ok both the times), I thought just one result was quite disappointing. Here is the simple math that all these SMS based services should do. I am going to be charged close to 3 Rs for each of those Value Added SMSs. And I get back one phone number to call to ? I would rather call the Just Dial folks in my city ( that would be 22222222 in Bangalore) . They would not only listen out to all that I have to say, but also go on to suggest a business, give me the number and would also probably tell me the address, land marks close to it and wish me a good day. That would cost be a buck every minute. Fortunately or unfortunately, The state of the Indian Internet scene ( I dont seem to be able to get the link to that white paper) suggests that Indians like to get a look and feel of a product. On the same analogy, it is only fair to assume that they would also like to talk to a human to get suggestions about a business or a restaurant. We are only too used to picking up a phone here in India.
Ok, So the point being, Onyomo’s SMS search, though good, cannot possibly compete with the existing ways of getting to a business which are much cheaper and familiar unless they manage to get you to SMS for free. To top it, they seem to add tons of text in the result explianing their business and what you should be SMS-ing to where. Bad. I am already paying, keep your advt. away!
The last time I went to their site, I didnt notice a map feature. This time I did. I have no idea why they have it in the first place. Second, It doesnt seem to work. All I really get to see is this big map of India. The links to the city maps dont get you anywhere.
Here is the best part, I can hardly see anything in the map I get with the local search result. Wait a minute, I am searching for a restaurant in bangalore. If the best map I can see if that of Bangalore and cant zoom in any further, you call that local maps?
Even if I am whining, I should be spelling Bangalore bengaluru ( or is it bengalooru ?). Anyways…
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