Tags : google maps, mapquest, yahoo maps, yelp
MapQuest Fights Back with Local Features
MapQuest is fighting to gain ground in its market with the launch of some new information integration features.
Through a partnership with Yelp, a four-year-old startup in Silicon Valley, the company will start putting local business reviews within its mapping results today, as CNET points out. MapQuest will also begin offering sports information via parent company AOL’s sports service and is additionally beginning to focus more on mobile apps. So far, a BlackBerry app is on the market, and an iPhone-friendly mapping feature is expected to go live any day. The updated MapQuest site also switches to a new, less banner-centric ad format, CNET says.
The changes come amidst recent reports of the service “stagnating” compared to Google’s Google Maps offering. Cowen and Co. analysts said both MapQuest and Yahoo Maps “do not have the resources to keep pace and are forced to aggressively monetize a declining franchise in the maps segment,” particularly in the growing realm of mobile map usage.
Agree? Click on your mapping service of choice below and let’s see how Inquisitr readers compare with the analysts’ opinions.
Related posts:
