Google releases location-based search

Google has expanded the ability to search by location. It’s now possible to ask about “something” nearby without mentioning the name of the specific thing, such as asking “what’s the name of the tall building” and Google will provide an answer based on location.

The addition to Search is called Location Aware Search. Google showed the new search option Wednesday at the SMX conference in Paris. Asking a question about an undefined ‘thing’, Google tries to provide an answer based on places in the immediate vicinity.

During the demonstration a person asks what the name of a church is via the ‘ok Google’ command. Google answers based on location and gives Wikipedia information about St. Peter’s Church in San Francisco, which the person is right in front of. The video also showed someone standing in front of a restaurant asking what the restaurant’s opening hours are, without mentioning its name.

On Reddit, users are experimenting with which commands work. It turns out that the point of interest must be close by. It also turns out that if a place is not completely clear, Search asks which location is meant, such as two restaurants next to each other.

Location Aware Search is live unannounced feature in Google Search App. Ask about things nearby without naming them pic.twitter.com/ML7APC6Msc

— Danny Sullivan (@dannysullivan) June 9, 2015