Google: you'll never have to ask (a person) for directions again

by Brad Linder Nov 7th 2007

You can get directions on your PC, your phone, or by talking to that friendly gas station attendant. But if you're the sort of person who never likes to admit you're lost, Google's got you covered. The company plans to add Google Maps features to 3500 U.S. gas station pumps starting next month.

Not only will you get access to on-screen directions thanks to a specially designed pump with internet access, but you'll be able to print out directions. At launch, there won't be a keyboard, meaning you can't type in specific directions. But gas station owners will be able to input nearby hotels, restaurants, and other hot spots.

The pumps won't be ad supported, since there's little chance that you're going to click on a button to buy a new pair of shoes while you're at the gas station. Instead, gas station owners can offer local businesses the opportunity to provide coupons, for a fee.

[via Engadget]

Tags: directions, gas-pump, gas-station, google-gas-pump, google-maps

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Bill said 10:23AM on 11-07-2007

Yeah except The Google often gives lousy directions. Just this week it had me turn left instead of right, sending me into a residential neighborhood instead of where I needed to go. I figured it out but it's annoying how often that happens. Obviously not too annoying, as I continue to use Google for directions, lol.

Shiva said 10:33AM on 11-07-2007

Google's directions are usually better than anyone else's, point to a better one if you can. I can craft better directions with a map, but humans are smarter than their algorithms.

-S

James said 11:45AM on 11-07-2007

The thing I love about GMaps is that I can visually identify the place I want to go, or the place I want to start from, without having to know the address or even zip code of it. I can just say, Oh, it's in that neighborhood, and get directions there by right-clicking to make a "pin". I *really* hope these map terminals let you specify a location by dragging and pointing...

Shibathedog said 12:45PM on 11-07-2007

Internet...enabled...gas pumps...

Thats so awesome! Haha how funny would that be if it ran Linux or something and you run into someone pumping gas and playing Doom at the pump.

SKI said 6:18PM on 11-07-2007

Will this be like those Microsoft Search things from "The Island?"

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