And then there is Google Hotel Finder, essentially a sophisticated, fully functional online travel agency. The only thing it needs to become a full-scale online travel agency (OTA) is to add a “book-it” button (for now the site leaves final bookings up to the likes of Kayak, Priceline, and Expedia et al).

Book-it buttons aside, Google has been on a “gobble” in recent years. Its new Hotel Finder joins an expanding list of travel-focused services like Google Flights and Google Plus, along with a host of other acquisitions — most recently foodie favorite Zagat for million — to make the search engine (and the anything and everything portal to the web), a formidable player in the online travel industry.

In 2010 in the US alone, the hotel industry generated roughly 0 billion, so I really don’t see Google’s foray as simply an experiment. Google is out to generate some serious profits: OTAs are sophisticated search engines and that is precisely what Google does best.

With 91 percent of web users already relying on Google to perform basic searches, they will likely remain loyal to the Google brand when it comes time to search for hotels, comfortable with using their new services. Considering that level of customer dedication, the most immediate impact on the travel industry would likely be a clamoring by hotels to get noticed by Hotel Finder’s digital spotlight. Using its signature map function allows users to gain an organic, close-up sense of a given hotel’s neighborhood. It also boasts an easy price-comparison to historical averages, both for a specific hotel along with others chosen on a so-called “shortlist.” This is something that’s never been done before.

Google’s gobble is also likely to aid the continued popularity, not to mention profitability, of the entire online hotel-finding and travel industry. In other words, another nail in the proverbial coffin for traditional travel agents (though writing off traditional travel agents may prove premature, as some online travel web users have reverted back to travel agents for their bookings). Even if Google were to remain on the OTA sidelines, Hotel Finder’s web presence will ultimately drive traffic to other OTA sites. Either way, it’s potentially a win-win.

While it’s hard to measure the economic impact of a new hotel search site, the amount of online bookings, (buttressed by sites like Google Hotel) has surged in recent years. The year 2007 marked a watershed moment when for the first time more than half (51 percent) of US travelers booked their travel plans online, according to a 2008 Hotelmarketing.com study. And by the end of last year, more than 45 percent of all hotel bookings were completed online. Moreover, eMarketer and Jupiter, two Internet research firms, predict that 2011 will see online booking revenue to the tune of 5 to 146 billion.

All of this data leads me to the question – will Google Hotel Finder ultimately challenge OTAs directly – especially if there’s so much to gain?

Of course, I cannot say definitively, but I do believe that Google has the potential and capacity to take on the travel industry and become a full-service OTA. It has the infrastructure, it has the desire to control – or at least lead, and it certainly has the desire for revenues. As OTA earnings continue to swell and more travelers rely on them, the earning potential for Google is massive. It has been and continues to be shuttering a series of failed attempts to gain entry into certain spaces, but travel is almost a sure bet.

Regardless of its intentions, Google and its related products have effectively become online institutions. When it comes to the world of web-based hotel hunting, Google has already gone.

Consumers — and hotels — are following their lead.

Bruno Perez is vice president and co-founder of Revpar Guru, which provides a real-time, automated solution to help hotels maximize their revPAR, or revenue per available room. 

Image courtesy of Flickr user Freakland.

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This is of training course easier said than accomplished especially when you think of the many global online companies which might be there. Yet as they express the proof really is in the pudding. So with that thought in mind what you need to consider is getting most of the best online companies to accomplish a pitch for your account. This way you will be able to gather where exactly you stand concerning where you should be. All in all this would be an excellent strategy in order to get feedback on your website and business.

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The CA-461 portable iPod docking speakers by Cyber Acoustics are compact and portable, yet provide the same big sound full-sized stereos produce. This six-watt system has two-inch high excursion dynamic drivers and is ideal for the active person who is constantly on-the-go. It is specifically designed for use with iPod and comes complete with all docking inserts to fit any iPod (excluding Shuffle and 3G). These docking speakers will charge your iPod while you’re listening to your music, so you’ll never have to worry about having a low battery. The speakers are AC powered or can run on four AAA batteries.Cyber Acoustics’ CA-461 Digital Docking Speaker offers a compact, no-frills sound solution for your iPod or other portable device. A compact, no-frills sound solution for your iPod or other portable device. Click to enlarge. Inserts for various iPod models included. Rear aux input. Charge and Play Your iP

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Ghost hunters, rejoice. Not only does this $150 LED flashlight record 640×480 video at 30 frames per second, it’s also got an eight foot nightvision range that allows it to record in complete darkness.

There’s a five-hour rechargeable lithium ion battery, support for microSD cards up to 8GB (20 hours of video) and, oh yeah, it’s a flashlight too. You know, for seeing in the dark.

According to the product description:

With this hidden camcorder that looks and acts like a regular LED flashlight, you can use it as just that, and record at the same time. With the built-in nightvision, you can record crystal clear footage and take pictures without anyone knowing exactly what you’re doing. This is great tool for bouncers or security guards working in dark bars or clubs for when they check IDs. Also great for regular surveillance hoping to protect themselves, throw the Flashlight Camcorder in your car or pocket and be prepared for any break down or nighttime excursion.

This actually seems like it’d be very useful for certain applications, and not ridiculously expensive at $150. Aside from ghost hunting and ID checking, this product will unfortunately be a big topic of discussion at peeping clubs everywhere. Do they have peeping clubs?

Hidden Camcorder Flashlight – SPY Camera Hidden In A Flashlight [Brick House Security]

Liquid crystal display TVs are well-liked among many. Though in order to bring your TV viewing to the succeeding level, plasma would be a pick that may possibly let your eyes erupt with stimulation. With the great number of plasma TVs in stores, obtaining a view of how much TV you could afford is critical.

Bigger Isn’t Automatically Always Better

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For a plasma television monitor, be expecting to give out any price from $1,000 to anywhere about $5,000 dependent on the set. You can look to shell out a higher cost for a television plasma model that’s larger than 42 inches in size.

Rich Audio and Color Will Make You Happy

Having agreeing on the make including the size, you then can crack down on the electrifying qualities of having a plasma TV, which is the way it appears. Each plasma television will have its own aspects and this would ultimately have an effect on your pick. Elements will include the amount of color saturation which determines how it looks. Correctly positioned blocks of solid black increase depth, coupled with rich color in plasma televisions. This blend enhances the watching satisfaction.

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Ports in the Back are Critical

When settling on the highest quality plasma that your cash could purchase, be certain you find out whether or not the model comes with accessory terminals usually seen at the rear of the television. Back terminals would allow you to attach other electronic tools such as stereos, X-Box’s, Video Players and other accessory contraptions. Picture in picture allows you to view 2 shows simultaneously. In various units, it’s a small screen in others, it could be adjustable up to half and half.

Assessing these different concerns would provide you the foundation that you necessitate in order to make an astute decision on a plasma TV monitor for your family viewing. Having a working awareness of the primary characteristics and element of plasma models would grant you the aptitude to plow through all of the preferences. Certainly, you’ll be set to get a model and then feel gratified with your decision when selecting a plasma TV.

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Limousines have the aura of prestige and wealth and it helps the potential clients to decide whether this company is good for their business. Champagne included to the limo service also helps to seal the deal with the potential customer. Limousines hired for corporate events usually involve different trips such as airport transfer, trips to hotels and restaurants, football matches and many more. It could be anything in order to impress the client.

Limos are also used for the company’s employees sometimes as a gratitude for their hard work throughout the year. It might be used for the top managers in the company or as transportation for the Christmas party in the office. No matter what is the reason for hiring a limousine it is always a great way to thank the staff for performing wonderful job and to maintain their loyalty to the company.

In order to create the right impression choosing the right type of limo is important. You cannot imagine corporate events being transported in such themed limos as the Party Bus or a fire engine limo. The most common corporate limos are traditional black Lincoln Town Car limos. Another limo model that has become very popular is the Chrysler C300 Baby Bentley. It has a resemblance to Bentley road car and leaves the impression of class, style and elegance. These limo models usually accommodate up to 8 passengers. So, if you have a larger party you might want to go with the 4×4 limos. Some of these cars are Hummer H2, Lincoln Navigator and Jeep Excursion. These models are an often choice for bigger corporate parties.

Another important issue about a limo hire that will help you seal the deal is the color of the limo. You don’t want to go with anything too bright such as red or orange. Such flashy colors will probably put your potential clients off. The most appropriate colors are black, white and little less often silver. These colors will send the right message to the client about your business.

So, if you follow the tips above your company’s corporate events will always be successful, the deals will be sealed and your employees will be happy. Just pick the right professional limo hiring company and let them take care of all the details connected to organizing the corporate events for your business.

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The first reason is the limo you are going to hire. For example, the price of the Lincoln Town Car will be less than for the Chrysler 300 Baby Bentley, because the latter has newer style and has been released comparatively recently. The Hummer M3 limo prices are also higher due to the recent date of its release. Such limo models are very popular among young people and are often hired for their prom nights and nightclub trips on weekends.

The second reason is the age of the limo. The limo manufactured in 2009 is definitely going to be higher than the same model manufactured ten years before. A newer car will have better seats and upholstery as well as new laser lighting, bars, flat screen TVs, intercoms and many other features. But it doesn’t mean that you would get a worse service in the older limo.

Service is the other reason that affects the price of the limo. Different limo hire companies offer various services. It could be one way trips or a trip around the city with excursion, stops to take pictures and included drinks. French champagne may be included sometimes.

The travelled distance shouldn’t really affect the price. Some agencies have their prices varied according to the occasion. For a wedding the limo will be decorated with ribbons and flowers, have complimentary champagne and a formally dressed chauffeur, so that everything matched the wedding theme. As for the prom nights, the prices are usually higher due to a high demand in limos during this period. It is very hard to find any limo for hire around that time. The prices are also usually higher on the peak times like weekends, Friday nights, and some special events.

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