Google Knows Exactly How Crowded Your Favorite Bar Is Right Now

Turns out Big Brother is ... kind of super helpful.

November 22, 2016 9:00 am

In the past year you’ve probably noticed that when you search for a business on Google, the search engine earmarks how busy the place gets throughout the day.

It’s a handy detail, especially if your personality leans type A. Now the tech giant is giving its ‘Popular Times’ feature a boost with real-time updates.

In a blog post, product manager Jamie Aspinall explains: “Just in time for the Black Friday swarms, we’re adding a real-time look at how crowded a place is right now, to help you decide where and when to go. Whether you’re rushing to pick up a last minute gift or seeking a lively bar for some festive spirit, check Popular Times for a sneak preview of what to expect when you arrive.”

Real question is, should you even be out braving Black Friday? Probably not this year, or any other year from hereon.

But checking to see if your favorite bar or restaurant is on the fritz? That’s more like it.

In addition to its real-time feature, Google will also be able to show you how long people stay at any given location, which it hopes will help users better plan their days.

Looking at the holiday blitz ahead, we could use all the help we can get.

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