Google has patented an ad technology that links online ads to free or discounted taxi rides to the advertising restaurant, shop or entertainment venue. With the transport-linked ad service, many consumers could be encouraged to respond more often to location-based special offers, experts say.
Gregory Roekens, chief technology officer at advertising company AMV BBDO, told the BBC: “This is trying to turn advertising into a utility and remove barriers for consumers. It’s a really interesting idea.”
The technology offers advertisers opportunity to mine huge databases recording people’s habits, likes and preferences so that ads can be highly targeted.
“Combining this information with location data gleaned from wi-fi, cellular and GPS tracking will enable businesses to tailor their ads and special offers according to where people are, the time of day and their schedules,” BBC said.
The addition of free or cheap travel to the location will be the icing on the cake, Google hopes.
