CES: It’s not run by Google, but you’d probably think it is

The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) has been hit by a slew of Google and Android related products. This ranges from Fujitsu’s super-thin new phone, to LG’s announcement of joining the Google TV brigade along with other OEMs.

Google seems to be anywhere and everywhere, the omniscient: and now more so than ever!

At CES, Google has made it possible for anybody with an Android phone to locate both themselves and any area of the show through Google Maps. This is known as ‘indoor mapping,’ which Google released in an update to Android phones back in November. This has also been extended to select resorts and casinos around Las Vegas, as well as to local Best Buy stores. Unfortunately this is only in America at the moment, but it will surely be hitting the shores down under in close to no time at all.

No longer will it be necessary to locate the ‘impossible to find’ directory boards around centres.  A two hour shopping session need not be extended to 3-4 hours due to the unnavigable vastness of a shopping or convention centre. Well, this is only for Android users… thank god we are!

Google Maps has extended its reach far and wide. Over the years we have seen it improve greatly, including great developments such as directions, street view, turn-by-turn navigation and now indoor mapping. Google have put the offer out for anyone to ‘Upload a floor plan.’ It’s only available in the US and Japan for the moment, but plans indicate it’s coming to our shores shortly.

What could possibly be next Google? They’ve baffled this blogger into a state of disarray with indoor maps – maybe next is ‘Ocean Mapping’ or ‘Space Mapping’ – oh wait, we already have that one!