Source: The Verge
Summary
Google Travel has updated its hotel price tracking feature to allow users to track prices for specific hotels, rather than just at the city level. This update is part of a broader effort to improve the platform’s travel planning capabilities. The feature is available now. According to Google, the update will help users make more informed decisions about their travel plans.
Our Reading
The update arrives with confidence.
Google Travel’s new feature lets you track prices for specific hotels, because city-level tracking was apparently too broad. This is a feature that’s been available on other travel websites for years, but now it’s on Google Travel too. The company claims this will help users make more informed decisions, but it’s really just a catch-up move. This is the kind of “innovation” that’s been going on in the travel tech space for years.
Author: Evan Null
Iterative Innovation
Google’s update is a classic example of iterative innovation, where a company takes an existing feature and tweaks it slightly to make it seem new.
Travel Tech Stagnation
The fact that Google Travel is only now adding this feature highlights the stagnation in the travel tech space. Other websites have had this feature for years, and it’s surprising it took Google this long to catch up.
User Experience
The update may improve the user experience for some, but it’s unlikely to revolutionize the way people plan their trips. It’s a minor tweak to an existing feature, and users may not even notice the difference.
Google’s Priorities
The fact that Google is investing time and resources into this feature suggests that the company is prioritizing travel planning as a key area of focus. However, it’s unclear whether this update will actually drive more users to the platform.
The Future of Travel Tech
As the travel tech space continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see whether Google can keep up with the competition. With this update, the company is taking a step in the right direction, but it’s still unclear whether it will be enough to stay ahead of the curve.
