Currently the beta is limited to users in the United States. You only need to enter a keyword together with a post code or city name to activate the local search.
Results are presented with a map or aerial picture provided through Microsoft's MapPoint Web Service. Satellite pictures are provided through a partnership with TerraServer-USA, a project that came out of Microsoft Research.The company plans to further enhance the local search service by adding 'Instant Answers', a feature that will offer localized news, movie times, weather forecasts and event listings. Analysts believe local search will soon become a booming market. More details at VNU Net