Local business search company thomsonlocal.com has launched an application for Google’s Android.
 
The application lets users access thomsonlocal.com’s database of 2 million-plus businesses across Britain in an experience tailor-made for Android smartphones. It delivers detailed information for each business, along with additional information from thomsonlocal.com, including ratings and reviews.

“The Android app follows the successful launch of the thomsonlocal.com app for iPhone,” said Mark Cox, corporate communications manager at thomsonlocal.com, Guildford, England.

“By working with Mobile Commerce, thomsonlocal.com is reinforcing its aim of becoming the only local media company its customers need, by helping them be found through a range of media including online, video and mobile,” he said.

“With a focus very much in the digital domain, mobile search is just one area where thomsonlocal.com will be developing its offerings.”

Mobile Commerce built the app for thomasonlocal.com.

In addition to thomsonlocal.com, Mobile Commerce’s customers include Vodafone, O2, T-Mobile, Orange, Microsoft and Sony Ericsson.
 
Mobile local search
The thomsonlocal.com application is available as a free to download from Android Market.

Users can select from the most popular categories and search for information on any business near their location or anywhere in Britain.

Results can then be displayed as a list or on a map, and the user can access ratings and reviews.
 
“The thomsonlocal.com app is downloaded by an extremely wide range of users, so first and foremost we want to ensure that app provides the local information people are looking for, no matter which platform they are using,” Mr. Cox said.

“We have worked very closely with Mobile Commerce to ensure that the functionality of each app compliments the platform it is operating on to enhance user experience,” he said. 

The application enables key actions to be carried out via Android smartphones such as click-to-call, add business as a contact and send email.

Recent searches are also saved for repeat use.

Mr. Cox said that after launching an application for iPhone, it was only natural to bring thomsonlocal.com to users of Android Devices.

Android is set for huge growth in 2011, with the platform taking the largest share in the smartphone market in the final quarter of 2010.

Tailoring apps for Android is now vital for any company wanting to keep up with the technology their customers are using, per Mobile Commerce.

“The way people search for local businesses has changed with a much wider variety of media available,” Mr. Cox said. “Mobile users are looking for quick, accurate and local information on the move.

“By utilizing the functionality of smartphones, such as GPS positioning, thomsonlocal.com is able to help users find exactly what they are looking for in their local area, in a convenient and user-friendly manner,” he said.

Final Take
Thomson Local