During the first fifteen of years of the Internet's gestation, we searched the web unassisted. In the second era, we'll do so with the curated assistance of our social networks - and be able to spot trends from friends. As we wrote in our search white paper earlier this year...
"However, on the whole, social networks are becoming a key way for people to find content that's meaningful to them. In response, all of the major networks are building out search tools that could, conceivably, threaten Google."Well, Google made it clear they're not waiting around to get beaten. This is the opening salvo of what will be an all out social search war in in the next few years. Watch this space.
If you text GOOGLE (466453) phrases like “Sushi Charlottesville” or “Score Yankees,” you can get all kinds of cool information back via text message. There are a ton of things you can check with a simple text, from weather, to flight status, to shopping price checks. My favorite? “Directions,” followed by where you are and where you’re going, to get you home in a pinch. Here’s the whole list of things you can search for.
If you’re a Google Calendar user, you can set up your phone to add or retrieve events from Google by texting to GVENT (48368). If you send a message to GVENT with “next,” Google will text you back with the next thing on your calendar. Or text “lunch with Jim tomorrow 12:30,” and it’ll get added to your calendar. There’s a bunch of things you can do – here’s the list.
If you’re in the mood for a movie, text your zip code and a movie title to Fandango at 36436, and you’ll get a message back with today’s move times. Some cell carriers will even let you buy tickets – try it next time you’re standing in a long line at the theater.
Text messages are also an awesome way to send quick emails. Text just like you normally would, enter an email address instead of a phone number. You’re still limited to the 160 characters of all text messages, but it’s a great solution for the non text-savvy people in your life – also known as most people over 30.
