MyTown on the march as Booyah signs up for Google Places

So much attention has been focused on the potential for bigger boys to burst in and ruin the location-based party that few have acknowledged the potential Google has to enhance the apps already released.

The news that MyTown creator Booyah has signed a deal to make use of Google Places – revealed during Google's I/O conference - might surprise many, but in truth, it's a deal that will benefit both partners.

Merging with MyTown

Booyah will be the 'first and leading' partner of Google Places, with MyTown able to call on the giant's geographic data to improve its check-in accuracy.

MyTown will also let users access the top 20 most popular venues in any location according to Places, with Booyah confirming it plans to use Google's data to aid its expansion beyond the US.

"Our collaboration with Google bridges the gap between the consumer and businesses by enabling MyTown as a vehicle for real-world benefits," said Booyah CEO Keith Lee.

"The new API affords lightning fast search for local directory content both in the US and abroad, further growing MyTown's presence and Booyah's leadership in real-world interactive entertainment."

Growing with Google

He added, "We'll also be able to expand into dozens and dozens of countries without having to do individual deals with different directories because we'll be able to leverage Google's existing data."

Indeed, as part of the deal, MyTown users will eventually be able to update Place's data through the app itself.

"We'll ultimately become a consumer channel for Maps. We're happy to have this leading advantage for the time being," Lee concluded.

Speculation points to Google moving to sign up some of MyTown's close rivals in the future too.

[source: VentureBeat]