Is Google Places Search Permanently Closed?

7:27 AM
Google has removed the link to Places search. The link, which had been located in Google's "More" drop-down menu option, is no longer there, meaning local businesses can only be found via search (paid or organic), Google+ Local, or Google Maps.

Image via Understanding Google Maps & Local Search

Also, when Google shows a 7-pack of local results, there is no longer an option to see "More results near [location]". Why did this go? According to Google's Jade Wang:

"Thanks for your feedback about the small update to the local search user interface on Google. This is one of several updates we're working on to improve the local search experience, with the goal of more seamless exploration of places and more integration of local data. Stay tuned for more updates soon."

Under Search Tools, Google users can set their location setting. Generally Google auto-detects your location, but they aren't always perfect, so you can change to another city.
Google has removed the link to Places search. The link, which had been located in Google's "More" drop-down menu option, is no longer there, meaning local businesses can only be found via search (paid or organic), Google+ Local, or Google Maps.

Image via Understanding Google Maps & Local Search

Also, when Google shows a 7-pack of local results, there is no longer an option to see "More results near [location]". Why did this go? According to Google's Jade Wang:

"Thanks for your feedback about the small update to the local search user interface on Google. This is one of several updates we're working on to improve the local search experience, with the goal of more seamless exploration of places and more integration of local data. Stay tuned for more updates soon."

Under Search Tools, Google users can set their location setting. Generally Google auto-detects your location, but they aren't always perfect, so you can change to another city.