Because the features of the Google+ Local iOS app have now been incorporated into the latest edition of the Google Maps iOS app, the company announced on Thursday that it would retire the Google+ Local iOS app beginning August 7. Reviews and ratings created in the app will be available in the Google Maps app and in the users’ Google+ profile if they are using the service.
The Google Maps app, recently updated to version 2.0, lets users search by categories of places, read place data like contact info and reviews, average prices and Street View images of the place if available. The Maps app also lets reviewers write and submit reviews and ratings for places they visit, and share information on local businesses.
Some of the functionality of Google+ Local is also available through Siri, Apple’s voice-activated personal assistant software that uses Yelp listings as a primary source for business and landmark information. Users who are members of Yelp can also write reviews of, and rate, places — and there are several similar services that do much the same thing.
