Google logs into hyperlocal services

Internet giant Google is doing lot of experiments in the Indian market lately. From installing free Wi-Fi spots across major Indian railway stations to launching YouTube Go, a lighter version of the app for offline users or people with low bandwidth, Google is trying to make life convenient and easy for Internet users.

The company on Thursday launched an app that will aggregate all hyperlocal services and food delivery apps in the country. Chirstened Aero, the app is available on the Google Play Store for Android users at present. The app, as a pilot, has been launched in Bengaluru and Mumbai.

At present, the app features restaurants, chefs, local electricians, plumbers, beauticians and painters among others and people can also pay for the services on the app through all payment modes right from Cash on Delivery to eWallets.

From the look of the app, it seems that Google plans to be one-stop solution for all kind of services people search on the Internet. It wants users to search for their requirements on Aero instead of going to different app. This also makes discovery of services and restaurants easy for consumers. However, it is not clear, if Google would want to aggregate e-commerce portals going ahead.

Google has, so far, not issued any official statement in this regard. A Google spokesperson for India said that, “We are constantly experimenting with ways to better serve our users in India. In this case, Aero makes everyday chores and ordering food easier by bringing together useful local services like ordering food or hiring a cleaner in one place.”

Meanwhile, Google, under Sundar Pichai, has been betting big on the Indian market since the last 2-3 years. The company, which launched its Android One programme in the country in 2015, launched Allo, an instant messenger in India last year. It also launched its Workplace app called Meet that can host HD video meetings for up to 30 people, and allows users to dial into meetings thus taking on Microsoft’s Skype. It also launched its Music Play to take on online streaming sites and also Apple Music.

Pichai, in his visit to India early this year, said that India would be a $1-trillion digital economy in the next 3-4 years and it makes business sense for Google to have more India-centric products.