They told us that mathematics is applicable to anything and everything in life. The Game theory is a prime example, but that wasn't something we could comprehend when we were kids, so we continued cursing math for being a seemingly pointless annoyance. The kids today have it much better because they have a simpler and very conspicuous paradigm of mathematical relevance in from of Google. The search giant has leveraged raw applied mathematics in its clever algorithms to profile the teeming millions across the Internet. Google's targeted adverts and recommendations are accurate to the point of being scary; it's almost like it knows you more than you know yourself. Tell the kids that its math that lets Google know which videogame or pop singer they'd be most interested in, and believe me they'll have no trouble grasping the fact.

Google's spreading its all pervading gaze to mobile devices by introducing Hotpot application for Android based smartphones, as reported by AFP. The application allows users to rate hotspots using mobile mapping software on the Android platform, which are then mapped and available for your reference. In addition to Android based user recommendations, Hotpot taps Google Places database of over 50 million establishments across the world, utilizing user ratings and preferences to recommend places of interest to you. As you add friends, the application aggregates their likes and recommendations and gives you relevant hotspots in accordance with your own preferences. Think of this as an intelligent, more interactive and easily accessible alternative of Just Dial sans the call centre and intrusive advertisements, featuring relevant establishments preferred by you and your circle of friends.


To start using Hotpot, you will need Google Maps 4.7 for Android 1.6 and above. Search for Google Maps in Android Market from your Android enabled phone and hit update. You can even start using Hotpot on your PC from here.