Google Gadget

I’m an early adaptor when I can afford it…and even sometimes when I can’t. And wouldn’t you know, Google’s new phone, G1, is coming out so soon to my cell phone contract expiring. It’s like they knew! While it’s a cool gadget and I’ve read up on its features, the most exciting thing for me has got be the application, Shop Savvy. It’s a comparative shopping application that let’s you scan a product’s UPC code with your camera and compare prices at other stores. How awesome is that? For someone like me who likes to get a bargain, it definitely has an appeal.

I also see this as a huge opportunity for advertisers. I mean, how long will it take companies to jump aboard. Say you scan something at Target and what do you know, Wal-Mart pops up with an ad for $5 off the same product. Granted, if you’re already in a store, driving to another just for $5 off might not be worth it. But then again, it might. And I’m sure at some point Shop Savvy will sell their data. What company wouldn’t love to know what products people are considering purchasing, or at what price will people pay for a certain item. Or even, suggesting other products you might like, or reading customer reviews right in the store. I mean, marry Google Maps Street View and Shop Savvy and you could have an application that will tell you exactly what aisle a product is in! (Turn left at Greeting Cards in approximately five steps…)

I think that the Android operating system is also going to open the flood gates for advertising and marketing. I’m actually really excited to see what comes out of this. (I know, I’m a nerd!)

I think though I’ll hold off on this phone for awhile. Not that I don’t really want it (because I do!), I’m pretty sure there will be bugs to fix, and cheaper, better versions soon to come…and seeing as I didn't invent Google and thus am not a billionaire, I've got bills to pay.