Google Places API vs AJAX Search API and Local Search Control

I've started developing a small app which main goal is to draw a map using Google Maps API (v3), and to show business in the area drawn (bars, restaurants and so on).

I found the Google Places API that was supposed to be released this month but it hasn't been. As far as I know the point of that API is to offer results from the Google's database of business, so later we could put those business in the map.

However now I've found this sample which is using the AJAX Search API and Local Search Control for Google Maps to do the same thing.

So the question is, what is the point of the new Google Places API?

Thank you in advance!

The Places API returns a list of locations near a specific lat/lng, while the Local Search API allows for an arbitrary search of Google's database of business listings and other POIs.