Citysearch Launches Local Toolbar
Citysearch announced a series of new tools yesterday to help consumers find local businesses, including an Internet browser search toolbar.The Los Angeles-based subsidiary of IAC made available an Internet browser search toolbar like those offered by Google and Yahoo. The toolbar, still in beta testing, lets users access Citysearch content without visiting its site or a Citysearch partner site. The Citysearch toolbar also gives users direct access to special offers from Citysearch advertisers and its eVite event-planning service. It also comes with a pop-up ad blocker.
The Citysearch toolbar has shortcuts for searching rival services, Google Local, Yahoo Local and Verizon's SuperPages.com.
In addition to the toolbar, Citysearch rolled out other tools for accessing its local search content. AOL Instant Messenger users can add "CitysearchPronto" to their buddy list to retrieve local information via IM. The Pronto E-mail service lets users search business listings by sending a blank e-mail to pronto@citysearch.com with the location and search term in the subject line. Both services are free.
