Latest Gasoline Additive: Google

Sometimes I get the feeling that Google’s slow takeover of the world is truly blindsiding us. It’s like the frog thrown into the stewpot – the water’s not boiling yet, but it’s slowly getting there. And by the time he realizes it, it’ll be too late.

According to AP:

[Google] will dispense driving directions at thousands of gasoline pumps across the United States beginning early next month.

The pumps, made by Gilbarco Veeder-Root, include an Internet connection and will display Google’s mapping service in color on a small screen. Motorists will be able to scroll through several categories to find local landmarks, hotels, restaurants and hospitals selected by the gas station’s owner.

After the driver selects a destination, the pump will print out directions. Eventually, Gilbarco Veeder-Root hopes to enable motorists to type in a specific address and get directions.

Now, the impulsive, flashpacker side of me immediately thinks: “Damn, that’s cool.” However the cautious side of me can’t help but think five years into the future when those same pumps will be voice-activated, Minority Report-like, promoting Google pay-per-click advertising. Right at the pump.