HOTPOT

After recently joining FourSquare, I began to wonder what other location-based services are out there. A quick search led me to the new Google Hotpot. Yes, like the one you find in the kitchen. Basically it is a recommendation engine. I signed in and joined Hotpot myself and searched “restaurants in Bowling Green, KY”. As you can, see Mariah’s, Verdi, and 440 Main were the first hits, no surprise there.

Hotpot is in a sense a personalized recommendation tool. I am signed in under my google-linked profile and all of my reviews will have my picture and name I choose for myself. The best part is that the content is easy to read. It is set up in a grid format, with pictures and star ratings. If I choose to go somewhere, I can click and find the URL and phone number. I appreciate the anti-clutter mentality of Hotpot’s creator.

As far as the social aspect of Hotpot, you can add your G-mail friends and see their reviews as well. Let’s say Rachael or Abby go to Chicago and rate their favorite pizza. When I search “pizza in Chicago” on Hotpot, the first hits will be their ratings. I can filter to only see my friends ratings, or if I’m feeling adventurous I can filter to only see places I haven’t rated/visited.

I know that Facebook has added a places feature, but let’s be honest, if you are searching for a hotel or place to eat in a random city you will go to Google first. I believe they have beat everyone to the punch on this, and done it the right way. Check it out for yourself. It’s very easy to use.