Google SMS (Short Message Service) enables you to send queries as text messages over your cell phone or device and easily get precise answers to your questions. No links. No web pages. Just text — and the information you’re looking for:
* Get local business listings when you’re on the road and want to find a place to eat.
* Obtain driving directions to get from point A to point B without having to ask for directions.
* Find movie showtimes and theater locations of movies currently playing near you.
* Check weather conditions and 4-day forecasts to plan your day.
* Study the latest stock quotes and stay on top of the market.
* Get quick answers to straightforward questions.
* Compare online product prices with ones you find in retail stores.
* Look up dictionary definitions to expand your vocabulary or prove a point.
First, enter your query as a text message. Then send the message to the US shortcode 46645 (GOOGL on most phones). You will then receive a text message (or messages) with your results, usually within a minute. Results may be labeled as “1/3″, “2/3″, etc.
For example, if you want to know the weather for Atlanta, GA, then send the message “w 30320″ to phone number “46645″. Or send “to 1130 N State St Chicago il from 251 e huron 60611″ to get Chicago driving directions.
Sending “star wars 75075″ will give you showtimes and theaters showing Star Wars in Plano, TX. Sending “price ipod 20gb” will give you current online prices for that iPod. Or send “wmt” to get Wal-Mart’s latest stock quote.
Editor’s note: With Google’s voluntary censorship in China, I wonder if any of this will work there?
