Google has been spotted testing Local Ads in auto-suggest searches on Google Maps. In a search for ‘Seafood Restaurants’ there was an ad for a local Red Lobster restaurant.
Google has confirmed that this is a new experiment to find new ways to improve the advertising experience. However, they have also said that they have no specific announcement right now. It’s not clear how these ads are currently powered, whether it’s a local ad or if it’s using location extensions. But this may be a placement that’s available in the future.