April 29, 2005

Now you can make a Google search using any SMS-enabled phone. People can now search for driving directions, business listings or personal phone numbers, prices on Froogle, plus a whole lot more.

Any handset with SMS capability can access Google SMS. However, it only works on major wireless providers in the US including Sprint PCS, AT&T, Cingular, Nextel, T-Mobile and Verizon Wireless.

Here are examples of what you can do with Google:

# Enter your query as a text message
# Send the message to the US shortcode 46645 (GOOGL on most phones)
# Receive a text message with your results. Results may be labeled as "1of3" or "2of3"...
# Get Google SMS help info sent directly to your phone. Send the word 'help' as a text message to 46645

Driving Directions from Google Local
There is now access to driving directions. Send a text message query with your start address, the word 'to' and then the end address to get step-by-step directions from point A to point B.

Sample Query

111 mystreet overland park ks to mci. This would give instuctions from a fake address to the KC Airport.

Business listings from Google Local
Google Local enables you to search the entire web for just the stores and businesses in a specific neighborhood. Get the name, address and phone number of a business near you or in any zip code across the US.

To get business listings
* Enter what you want to find by searching for either a specific business or a service
* Include both city and state or a zip code with your search terms
* To get Google Local results put a period between the business name and the location

Practical search examples:

* pizza 10013
* pizza new york ny
* pizza.10013
* Pottery Barn 02116
* Pottery Barn Boston MA
* Pottery Barn.Boston MA

Source: Addict 3-D