Website roundup
By Adnews Staff
Video sharing website YouTube launched a localized Canadian site yesterday called YouTube Canada. The site, located at <http://www.youtube.ca>, offers the same content as its parent, but emphasizes Canadian-made videos on its homepage and in its search results. YouTube has also signed content deals with several Canadian companies to establish YouTube Channels, including Dose.ca, CBC, CFL, CommandN, NewsCanada, UNICEF, and Sony BMG Canada. "We're very excited to bring a local version of YouTube to Canada, and we are committed to continuing to improve the YouTube experience for our Canadian users," said Chad Hurley, CEO of YouTube. "Our goal is to satisfy the unique needs of the local users and to further strengthen Canada's vibrant YouTube community."
Toronto-based ZipLocal has modified its local search website, located at <http://www.ziplocal.com>. In addition to changes intended to improve the speed of the site and relevancy of its search results, the site now also allows users to contribute reviews of the local businesses listed. Reviews from third parties including Sweetspot.ca, Eye Weekly, HomeStars and Fresh Daily now also appear in search results. Another new feature allows search results to be ranked by their proximity to the user. "These enhancements will allow for a much faster, intuitive and more community-focused search experience," said Elaine Kunda, president and CEO of ZipLocal.