Ditch Google and Use a Bot Instead: Startup Says the Golden Era for Search Apps Is Over

Local economies have been struggling to prosper - with small businesses increasingly reliant on online behemoths such as Facebook and Google where users face information overload.A new blockchain-based startup believes the golden era for apps is over and says the public wants a more personalized experience when they are finding things to do.

Rather than depend on potentially biased platforms, which often fail to capture the full breadth of nearby venues, Localflow says the future lies in conversational bots that can provide fast recommendations and a plethora of other services.

For the typical user, Localflow means they can find the goods and services they want through the messaging apps they already know and love - be it Facebook, Telegram or WeChat.

People can use Localflow bots to create their products, assign a price - in fiat and crypto - and have them broadcasted through the chatbot's local search network.

If the user is interested, a bot could provide them with live feedback about what is going on inside, a full list of prices, plus the ability to reserve a table and pay upfront.

Small businesses and sole traders would be able to establish their very own bot.

A seasoned guitarist would be able to use Localflow's system to offer private tutoring, or the owner of a pizzeria could build a bot that takes orders and tracks deliveries.

Members of the public could also get in on the action, and if they were two footballers short for a five-vs.-five match, they would be able to use the bot to find willing participants.

Localflow believes bots could also offer a helping hand to companies behind the scenes, enabling them to keep track of stock levels and replenish warehouses when necessary.

Bots put to the testThe company put the features of its bot MVP to the test in Padova, a university city in northern Italy.