This article was published on February 26, 2013

Location-powered iOS browser Localscope integrates Baidu, Qype and 4 other global services


Location-powered iOS browser Localscope integrates Baidu, Qype and 4 other global services

Location-powered mobile browser Localscope has integrated services from six new international partners — including Baidu, Qype and Zomato — bringing a wider selection of services and functionality to the iOS app.

The idea behind Localscope is to allow users to search and discover local information, using the device’s location, while offering an integrated and feature-rich experience. The app integrates a range of services, including YouTube, Google Maps, Facebook, Twitter, Foursquare and more.

The latest version of Localscope — which is designed by Cynapse — brings yet more international flavor, courtesy of China’s Baidu, Russia’s 2GIS, Germany’s QypeYellow Pages Australia, India’s Zomato and US-based ParkMe. The app is focused on global audiences, given that it is available in 21 different languages, and, with its new partners aboard, Cynapse says it can “deliver more relevant local content to users” worldwide.

s1-horz

The <3 of EU tech

The latest rumblings from the EU tech scene, a story from our wise ol' founder Boris, and some questionable AI art. It's free, every week, in your inbox. Sign up now!

“Each of these services are some of the most trusted and used services in their respective regions. They have a greater understanding of the local needs, language and culture as compared to some of the global services,” an announcement explains.

In more detail:

  • Baidu is China’s top search engine and it provides a range of content services
  • 2GIS is a Russian business directory that covers over 200 Russian and Ukranian cities
  • Qype is a social reviews site for restaurants, places and businesses in Europe and South America
  • Zomato is a Qype rival from India that recently launched in the Middle East and UK, and is eyeing entry into Southeast Asia
  • Funded by a number of US-based VCs, ParkMe is a real time parking service that directs drivers to available parking spaces in 29 countries, including US, Canada, UK and Australia
  • Yellow Pages Australia is the online version of the popular business listing directory

Cynapse explains it has made Baidu services (and its maps), Qype and Google+ Local available for free, but the other new additions are for users that have upgraded to its Localscope Premium service — which is US$1.99 per year, via an in-app purchase.

A free version of the service launched in January 2012, and it allows for unlimited use of Facebook, YouTube and Google Maps.

Version 3.2 also includes expanded support for turn-by-turn directions, with Yandex NavigatorSkobblerBaidu Maps AppAMap by AutoNavi and The Transit App added to the mixer.

Since updates are geared towards enhancing the user experience and not just about adding new features, the team has also been busy fixing a few items. It has improved its Wikipedia search — by switching the InfoChimps API for the “awesome” Wikilocation.org API — which brings photos in-line with search results and automatically localizes them in 18 languages.

➤ Localscope: iOS

Headline image via calsidyrose / Flickr

Disclosure: This article contains an affiliate link. While we only ever write about products we think deserve to be on the pages of our site, The Next Web may earn a small commission if you click through and buy the product in question. For more information, please see our Terms of Service.

Get the TNW newsletter

Get the most important tech news in your inbox each week.

Also tagged with


Published
Back to top