Although Huang would not confirm details of the new product to launch - expected to take place in Q2 - Media understands it will likely be a China version of the latest popular product to take other markets by storm, Google Maps, with a host of other China-based tools to rollout over the next year.
"Google in China, overall, is only a year or two old, so the overriding goal is to make more services available to consumers," said Huang. "We're seeking to bring in an insight of local consumers, and make sure we market to them in a relevant way."
Sources said the reshuffle of its creative and media partners was part of the US-owned company's plans for 2007, as it seeks to improve its marketshare in a highly competitive environment, led by local incumbent Baidu, which holds 62 per cent of the search engine market.
