Google now offers a new way for users to see the latest shenanigans in their neighborhood. Search now displays events based on user interests, with personalized results and key information available right within the app.
With the update, users can now tap on an event and see a handy overview that reveals a lot of important details. If it's a concert, for example, Google shows when it's taking place, how to get there, and other pertinent information. Users can also save events for later or proceed to buy tickets via third-party vendors. Everything is handled directly within Search, meaning users don't have to put up with unnecessary pop-ups and redirects.
Personalized Results For Events In Google Search
There's also a dedicated tab called "For You" that brings up personalized suggestions and trending events. That means a person who frequents wine and cheese festivals will see similar search results from time to time. Categories include running, cooking, photography, and others.
Not every events site will work with Search, however. Google says they must properly format their content first to ensure that their results show up correctly.
"We've made it easy for sites to mark up their event listings to appear in this experience, with new listings updated quickly. Event sites can follow these guidelines to ensure events are discoverable," Google said in a blog post. Sites can visit Google's event developers portal to learn stuff such as formatting, content guidelines, and others.
Google Search Events Feature: When Will It Roll Out?
Google says it's rolling out the feature over the next few days.
"Give it a try to find the perfect dog meetup, local festival or must-see summer concert for you."
It's hard to imagine that Google is replacing apps and services dedicated to events, such as Eventbrite, but the company is clearly aiming for there to be some kind of overlap, or at least it wants to make it easier for users to find events without having to resort to third parties. That seems to be Google's strategy of late — make Search do everything so users don't have to use other options. It's a slick tragedy, one that worked for China's WeChat, an app that can basically do nearly everything.
Thoughts about the new events-centric features on Google Search? Will it replace the current app or service you're using to browse for happenings around town? As always, if you have anything to share, feel free to sound them off in the comments section below!
