Google’s VP of Consumer Products, Marissa Mayer, did an interview for Mediabistro’s WebNewser and was asked about next steps in that space. The gist of the answer (that starts around the 3 minute mark) is this
We already do things like this with coupons etc …. We are looking at how we can take that technology and put it to use in the location space.
It’s the location space component that Groupon currently doesn’t have and Google could have added to the deal giant’s already impressive repertoire. Now without the Groupon effect, you get the feeling that Google would like to utilize their location, places, mapping and more to allow users to walk down a street and get a Groupon like offer from anyone while the potential customer is right there. NFC technologies and more can make this a quicker reality than many might think (especially with the rumblings that next generation Android devices have parts of this already in place). Gotta admit that if that can be harnessed and delivered so the end user doesn’t go batty with offers every second, this has real potential.
I also wouldn’t underplay any drive that might have been created within Google after they were publically spurned by Groupon. What better way to say “I told you so” then by doing it better themselves and taking 50% off of Groupon’s value?
The big question that remains of course is “Can Google compete with Groupon in this space at all?” If they show signs of being able to hold their own then the race is on. Oh and we did all of this ‘analysis’ without even considering Facebook in the equation.
So will location plus the deal be the real holy grail of this space or will Groupon’s current model be enough to keep it in the front of a very well funded and revenue hungry pack?
Welcome to Speculation Station. What’s your take?
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