• The Next Web, Friday, February 26, 2010 1:33 PM

Doubling down on local search and discovery services, Google just launched a 'Nearby' search option, which refines search results to one's nearby surroundings. The tool -- located in the 'Search Options' bar on the left side of Google's search layout -- can be adjusted to show another area's nearby results by entering a custom location. Yet, according to The Next Web, the new service is a work-in-progress.

"We've found mixed results so far," the blog writes. Similarly, last month, Google made its "Near Me Now" service live on iPhones and Android smartphones, which helps users retrieve timely information on nearby services and establishments. Making its interest in time-sensitive, location-based services quite clear, Google tried (and failed) to scoop up local review site Yelp late last year for half a billion dollars.

Read the whole story at The Next Web »