Google Gas Pumps: Saving the egos of lost men too stubborn to ask for directions
As part of a partnership announced Wednesday, Google will dispense driving directions at thousands of gas pumps across the US beginning next month.
It’s a brilliant idea when you think about it. The gas station is the one place you always stop for maps and directions. And men, in particular, are notorious for being unwilling to ask for directions (my husband always makes me go in and that’s if I can get him to admit he’s lost). But give a guy some kind of computer device to play with, and he’ll love it.
The pumps, made by Gilbarco Veeder-Root, include an Internet connection and will display Google’s mapping service on a small screen. The initial rollout is fairly small at only 3,500 pumps, and the Google service will be limited, at least initially. Using the pump’s touch pad, drivers will be able to choose a category, like restaurants, bars, hotels,landmarks,etc. After the driver selects a destination, the pump will print out directions. Retailers will choose the listings.
Unlike most of Google’s services, this one won’t include ads Google sells (at least not now). However, participating service stations will be able to make some money from area merchants that want to offer coupons on the service. Google is letting the station owners work with local retailers to set up coupons that drivers can print out along with the directions.
This post was written by: Kim Mickelsen