Search engine firm Google Inc. yesterday announced the launch of Froogle UK, its online comparison-shopping service for Britain and its first expansion outside the United States.
The service, available at www.froogle.co.uk, is in beta. Like its U.S. counterpart, Froogle UK uses Google's search technology to find product information with photographs and links to online stores for purchasing.
Froogle UK will not accept money for placement within search results. Online retailers seeking a listing must submit a data feed for free through the Froogle Merchant Center at http://froogle.google.co.uk. Once the service evolves, plans call for more merchants and product listings.
However, Froogle UK will feature Google AdWords, as it is part of the Google network. The ads will appear to the right of Froogle UK search results. They are clearly identified as “Sponsored Links” relevant to users' search inquiries.
