Google: Sending Out an SMS

By David Worthington | Published October 7, 2004, 8:50 PM

Google has taken the wraps off of a beta release of Google SMS, a preliminary mock up of a service offering that extends Google's reach to cell phones and other handheld devices.

Participants can write and send specialized queries to Google's 5-digit U.S. shortcode to find out what they are looking for within a specified zip code. Google SMS returns names, addresses and the phone numbers of local businesses and residences; provides a dictionary lookup, and compares product prices between local retail stores.

Users should not expect the functionality of the full-fledged Google search engine on their cells phones just yet. Instead, Google Labs chose to keep it simple and target scenarios where the service would be of practical use in everyday life. For instance, when users SMS "pizza 94043", they will immediately receive listings for local pizzerias within the 94943 area code.

While it may not yet be as simple as dialing 4-1-1, users may text 46645 (GOOGL) to participate in the beta program.

At the present time, the service is only available in the United States. The service works with leading wireless providers including AT&T Wireless, Cingular, Nextel, T-Mobile, Verizon, and Sprint PCS. For more information visit the Google SMS Web site.

Comments

GOOGLE IS GROWING AS EXPECTED! GMAIL ,THE RECENT REALESE OF GOOGLE DESKTOP SEARCH ARE GOOD EXAMPLE,I SAY KEEP ON

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Google is starting to scare md. I think they are getting too big. I think they know too much. I think they mine too much information. I do like Gmail though :)

On one side I like Google and on another I don't.
Google + Microsoft + Government = Bad news.

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What is there that Google can't do..LOL.

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Google is the greatest. Though I fear they'll grow too big and become Microsoft.

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Google is so great gmail is sweet!

... lol typo ""pizza 94043", they will immediately receive listings for local pizzerias within the 94943" (look at the numbers)

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Google just told me a pizza place was in the wrong city. I placed my order then got dreadfully lost on Main St. for the wrong city.

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sure let they be bleesed cus they are doing well,have u checked the new beta of google desktop search,it is koo! I WOULD REALLY **** GOOGLE IF IT HAD A VIGINA OR TITS...

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sure let they be bleesed cus they are doing well,have u checked the new beta of google desktop search,it is koo! I WOULD REALLY **** GOOGLE IF IT HAD A VIGINA OR TITS...

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sure let they be bleesed cus they are doing well,have u checked the new beta of google desktop search,it is koo! I WOULD REALLY **** GOOGLE IF IT HAD A VIGINA OR TITS...

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