Places Directory is a location based services (LBS) application for Google Android that specifically targets the users current geographical location. For example, you're visiting a city you've never been to before, you're hungry and you need to find a close restaurant. Simply launch the application and choose the restaurants option to find local selections. The available options then appear with distances, ratings and even pictures when available. This allows users to find the closest options, the best reviews options and the most appetizing options in the case of restaurants.
Here's a screenshot from the list view:
The application not only provides a quick search engine for local establishments, it also shows users written reviews of local businesses which can number in the dozens for popular places, along with business addresses and business phone numbers, all of which are laid out in an easy to navigate screen. Here's a look at a single establishment view:
Along the bottom of the screen you will also notice three very well laid out icons. The dial option which automatically calls the business, the map option which provides immediately directions from your current location and finally the "Gallery" option which provides pictures of your final destination when there are pictures available.
Here's a screenshot of the picture gallery:
As you can see the gallery is laid out for easy touchscreen navigation and the pictures take up a good portion of the screen. Overall the layout is what we've come to expect from Google Android Apps, it's sleek, functional and easy to learn.
Whether you want to find a local restaurant, a bank, a night club or any other business you can do it with ease thanks to Places Directory. More important however is the ease at which you can find businesses, there reviews, and directions and direct dialing options. With a clean interface, plenty of user interactivity and refined location based services this is a great application. One last thought, this app was created by Google so you know it offers top notch programming, what more could you really ask for?