Google Introduces Google SMS

Continuing their (exponential?) company growth, Google has introduced another service, this time, aimed at the mobile phone generation. SMS, short for Short Message Service, allows mobile phone users to send text messages to one another. In this case, users send queries, in text message format, to Google search.

Google provides a description of the SMS service on their FAQ, "Google SMS is a new service that enables you to search for certain kinds of information with Google from a mobile phone or handheld device (such as a Blackberry), and returns your search results as text messages. Get phone book listings, dictionary definitions, product prices from Froogle, and more." By sending a query to the US shortcode number 46645, users receive a text message containing results. According to the Google SMS home page, Google developed the service to provide:

Get local business listings when you're on the road and want to find a place to eat

Compare online product prices with ones you find in retail stores

Look up dictionary definitions to expand your vocabulary or prove a point

Find other specialized types of information, as described in how to use Google SMS

The Google SMS introduction may also indicate another step towards their rumored instant messaging software. Chris Richardson is a search engine writer and editor for Murdok. Visit Murdok for the latest search news.