Google rolls out new shopping and travel features for search and YouTube
Google has unveiled new search features that users can expect this fall aimed at maximizing the mobile shopping experience.
The new tools, including updates to TrueView and hotel search functions, should give companies greater control over their products on Google platforms and also bring customers the deals they seek.
Hotel smart filters
New filter options will let shoppers narrow down their hotel options based on their personal needs. Factors like rating and price will be available. Plus, the search function will handle more complicated queries, for instance “pet-friendly hotels in San Francisco under $200.”
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Hotel deals
When searching for hotels, you might notice a new "Deal" label. This is pointing out that the hotel's current price is lower than normal based on historical pricing trends.
Hotel tips
The Tips feature, which you can already find in Google Flights, notifies users if a small date change makes a big difference in the price of a trip. Deals and Tips will be rolled out globally over the next few months.
Flights price tracking
Any price-conscious traveler can now opt to track airfare. Users will pick a date and route combination, or track specific flights. If the price changes significantly, users will receive an email and be notified by Google Now. This feature will be available in every country where Google Flights is online.
Companion banner
Last Spring, Google introduced TrueView for shopping, making it easy for YouTube viewers to research or buy products they see in videos. This banner is an extension of that idea and lets shoppers scroll through products featured in whichever video they're watching.
Product picker
Advertisers will now be able to pick and prioritize what products are featured in a TrueView when planning shopping campaigns.
Cross-border shopping
Google is rolling out a new tool for the jet-setting shopaholics among us that will convert currency in Australia, Switzerland, Canada and the UK. Ads will now be in the most useful currency for users and companies. For example, a person shopping in the UK can see products sold by an Australian retailer listed in British pounds. This feature is still being tested and should debut in the coming weeks.
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Topics Google
