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Google Maps Coming to Gas Pumps, But Is It Complete?

by Terrence O'Brien on November 7, 2007 at 01:25 PM

Google Maps on Gas Pumps
Google is making sure that you can find it everywhere. Eventually, the search-engine-cum-portal may start showing up bedside to give you suggestions on how to be a better lover, but until that creepy, creepy day arrives, you'll have it on your PC, your cell phone, on your TV, your radio, in your newspaper, your car, and now even at the gas pump.

Following on the heels of the announcement of Android, the Google-backed OS for cell phones, Google has announced a partnership with Gilbarco Veeder-Root, a manufacturer of gasoline pumps, to put Google Maps at your local filling station.

The pumps will come with an Internet connection and a small LCD touch screen pre-programmed with local landmarks by the gas station owner. The hope is that lost motorists will be able to type in specific destinations. After selecting a location, they will be able to read directions and view the maps on the screen and print them out to take on the road with them. It will also print coupons for businesses on the way, a cute money-making scheme for partner Gilbarco Veeder-Root.

Google's slow creep into every aspect of our lives may be slightly disturbing, but Google Maps at the gas station is sure to be a boon for those of us who are prone to getting lost and/or too stubborn to ask for directions.

That said, with the relative ubiquity of GPS devices and maps on cell phones, we wish this service did a few extra things, like:
  • Send the directions to your cell phone
  • Send the destination info along with your current location to your PC or GPS device
  • Send telephone numbers and addresses as contact business cards to your cell phone
  • Send a Google Map URL to your e-mail address
  • Get in the car with you and ask, "Are we there yet?"

From AOL News and Engadget

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Tags: automobile, breaking+news, car, gas station, GasStation, Gilbarco Veeder-Root, GilbarcoVeeder-root, google, google maps, GoogleMaps, top

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