Google SMS adding driving directions?
posted October 14th 2004 11:40AM
When we originally
reported about Google's new SMS service, we were pretty
sure they would be rolling out new search features and functions over time. Looks like this may be happening for
driving directions sooner than later. As MobileTracker reports, sending a "directions" message to Google SMS
(46645, or GOOGL), returns "Looking for driving directions? Unfortunately this feature is not yet supported." Of
course, this sort of thing would require a more complex search string, something like "Directions 10016 1300 Fann St
92804" in order to get from zip 10016 to 1300 Fann St. in the 92804 zip code, unless it already saves where you're
starting from. That might a lot to ask for (esp. since Google SMS is already free), but we can hope, can't we?
Remember that many, if not all cell phones now have a pretty good idea of where they are because of the 911 location support. If networks/phone vendors provide access to that information through an API then applications like GooglME (http://www.thauvin.net/erik/j2me/#googlme) could provide the starting point automatically.
GOOGL SMS searching already significantly narrows the returned information. When you send "el gaucho seattle" for example, it returns the address and phone number. Getting driving directions from that information would probably not be that difficult. You may not even need an address. You might enter "driving directions from University of Washington to Seattle Center" and then get the appropriate information.
Overall I've been pretty impressed with how well GOOGL does with providing me with the information I am looking for, and not a whole lot of other extraneous information. Seems to work better than Google.com in this regard.
So hey, thanks for pointing it out, and keep your eyes peeled.
If you type "flight aa 1234" to Google SMS, for example, it returns the same "not available yet" message.
Also try sending "stock" and you get "Looking for stock quotes? Unfortunately this feature is not yet supported"
Same goes for "weather" and "movie". I'd like to see package tracking and traffic reports later as well ("traffic" and entering a UPS tracking number came up dry).
Actually, there is a site which gives you the stock quote by SMS and also the analyst opinion. I use it all the time. Pretty smart. They have details of all the SMS services at :
http://www.koffee-break.com/sms_services_help.html
Also, flight status can be obtained using this service. Pretty cool
Very well defined services. It appears they (Koffee-Break) are an Amazon company after all. So, its an interesting competition here between Amazon and Google. Also, if you noticed, Amazon (or Koffee-Break) offers services worldwide. Comparison shopping for UK is very cool !