By Perhaps the title jumps to conclusions, but a quick look at the hidden Google LCB is reason enough to believe Android will soon get its very own Local Business Directory.
Found by browsing Google’s robots.txt file, the ultra-simple section lists nearby businesses for Restaurants, Travel, Transportation, Retail and Entertainment based on the location you identify. Toss in an Android enabled mobile phone (that provides your current GPS location) and it could make a strong backbone for an application.
Sure… the LCB resides directly in the google.com/m folder which is broadly optimized for mobile phones and accessible via the web by virtually any handset… but this illustrates the beauty of Android:
As an Android App rather than a webpage, the entire directory is a touch phone tap away as a mobile desktop icon. Touch Restaurants… Italian… Voila – a list of the Italian restaurants closest to the exact location you are standing!
It’s a very simple illustration but when you remove all the little barriers that make mobile browsing such a hassle, using your phone for practical purposes becomes much more useful and enjoyable. Consider that this is one of the most basic androidian principles you could implement and the outlook of Android begins to blossom.
Now where’s the API?
It’s called “places directory”. Available on the Android Market. Uses gps and location to list local businesses by type., or search.