Google goes shopping
Google continues its expansion with the quiet launch of a shopping site on Wednesday according to this Wall Street Journal story (subscription required):
The site, at froogle.google.com, uses Google's existing search technology to find and list the most relevant product links from retailers, and will run clearly marked text ads alongside the search results. The "ranking algorithm" for products is based on the same technology that powers Google traditional search service, according to a spokeswoman.
...Keyword ads currently appearing on the main Google search pages are slated to appear on Froogle as well. For example, ads from Gateway Inc. that appear on the main search page when a user types "digital camera" into the search window will also appear when a user searches for "digital camera" on Froogle. The site won't initially sell ads tied specifically to the shopping service, but left the option open. "After we've evaluated the service, we'll look into doing a specific ad program for Froogle," the spokeswoman said.