Is Google+ Finally Creating Some Buzz?

In an effort to gain relevancy for their Google+ social media platform (or, as they put it, 'create a seamless web experience'), Google has decided to scrap Google Places and put their recently purchased Zagat underling to good use in the form of Google Plus Local.

The new "local" tab (which you'll see on the side of your Google+ page), will address users' apparent need to crowdsource everyone they know on Google+ (so, probably 10 people) along with anyone who has posted a review on Zagat when making decisions about where to go.

"Finding the best places to go is an essential part of our lives, as are the people and resources that help us make those decisions," wrote Google product manager Avni Shah. "In fact, the opinions of friends, family or other trusted sources are often the first we seek when looking for the perfect restaurant for date night or the cafe that makes the best latte ever."

The new addition can be combined with your Google Maps app and your Google search to push reviews straight to the top of your search for "best margaritas in Philly," opening up a wide range of new advertising opportunities for the media giant and potentially creating a bit of buzz where there was none.

For more on Google+ Local, click here.