The European Commision Puts Google on Spotlight For AdSense's Panda 4.0 Algorithm and Other Changes

Google has been on EU's cross hairs for last one and half years and so far has been fined a total 6.76 billion euros ($7.7 billion) for favoring its comparison shopping service and for leveraging Google's own Android mobile operating system to further its search engine market power.

Now the European Commission is wrapping up a third case which involves Google’s AdSense advertising service. This case was brought about by a complaint by U.S. search and advertising company Yelp (YELP.N) and other competitors in travel, restaurant and accommodation industries.

EU authority sent questionnaires to Google competitors last month, requesting information on the Google’s practices and the impact on their services between January 2012 to December 2017. The focus is on the

search algorithm changes introduced by Google, including the introduction of its Panda 4.0 algorithm. Also among the questions were, if Google’s introduction of the Local Universal or One Box had a substantial impact on their local search services. Local Universal handles hotel ads and One Box is a tool for local businesses to get more visibility in Google search results.

Via Reuters.

ZAGAT @ Google Might Taste Good Enough To Write A Haiku!

I heard the news on this mornings TV but when I saw a tweet by Google's Marissa Mayer that prompted me to write this.
We all have seen ZAGAT ratings at restaurants and foodies might have even hand out some cash to get the book.
Me and my partner are pretty adventurous when it come to food and we visit places from hole in the walls to five star gourmet restaurants. We are also avid travelers. Knowing the our city, county, state, country and the world is a thirst that never cease.
When it come to hole in the wall and everything in between those five star restaurants, we usually look at Yelp to get an idea and prepare our selves. We use comments to educate ourselves rather than to chose a place.
But now, will we see a change? I guess so, ZAGAT@Google might help us to learn about restaurants in our localities and beyond. We may look there to find where to eat, drink, stay, shop and play.
Official Google Blog: Google just got ZAGAT Rated!