Google’s has taken another step in their attempt to get social with their local results. Where they launched Google Hotpot several months ago, that same functionality from now on will be seen within the SERPS.
“The next time you perform a search, Google will serve up personalized results, listing places based on your tastes, as well as recommendations from your friends.”, Google states on their blog. The change will only be seen by those logged in to Google.
Google gives the example of a search for a restaurant in Barcelona, but off course that can be any place. If one of your friends has rated a restaurant, you might see their rating and what they had to say about it below that restaurant’s listing. The rating might be accompanied by their picture. Looking at all the reviews has also become a lot easier. By clicking on the “Places” in the sidebar and clicking “Friends only” will show you all hotpot results.
The step was to be expected and is yet another step to a more personal and local Google. Slowly but surely all the different elements Google focusses on are getting more visible: local, social and personal are shown here. Rolling this out on Mobile will complete it.
