25/04/12...Thame business awarded “Trusted Google Photographer' status -
A local photography business is celebrating its new prestigious title of 'Trusted Google Photographer.
Thame 360, which specialises in panoramic photography, has been chosen to help add businesses to Google places, maps and street view. They will be working with businesses to take 360 images of shop interiors so that the prospective shopper can take a look around before leaving their house and then hopefully, actually visit it!
Photographer Bob Stapleton told Thamenews.net: “I set up Thame360 a couple of years ago, which is a similar sort of concept, but obviously Google is taking it one step further.”
Thame360 has already produced virtual images of various Thame businesses, which are viewable on Google. You can now see the inside of 2 Wheels, the bike shop on the High Street, Gallant Menswear, on Greyhound walk, and Bizzie Lizzie Flower Shop in the Upper High Street. (Click on the little orange man when you find the business on Google maps)
Searching on Google can now lead you directly inside shops or restaurants, allowing customers to learn more about a business and what it has to offer. As well as being impressive in quality and fascinating to explore, this futuristic technology has many practical applications. As well as being able to browse the layout of a restaurant for instance, the new service has many practical uses, like helping potential customers to check for disabled access.
Thame is involved in the early stages of this innovative and expanding enterprise and is one of the first non-city sites to take part. “It’s something that hasn’t really been properly launched yet,” explained Bob. “There will be a big roll out within the next month or so. Google are keeping the project very low key at the moment but will soon be launching a big marketing exercise.”
Sonja Francis, Chair of Thame4Business, said: "Its great that Thame is at the forefront of these worldwide, hi-tech developments and the fusion of technology with local businesses will help put Thame on the map!"
AUTHOR: Suzannah Smith
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