Google Goes Mobile with Free Text Message Searches

Search superstar Google (Nasdaq: GOOG) rolled out a new short message service (SMS) this week, delivering its search and other Internet data to mobile phones of several major vendors through text messaging.

The Mountain View, California-based company indicated it will be testing a beta version of the free service in the U.S., where text messaging has been much slower to catch on than in Europe and Asia.

Analysts indicated that the service is Google's attempt to maintain leadership in Internet searching while also securing a place in the mobile device world.

"I think what Google is doing with the service is beating others to the punch," said Radicati Group analyst Teney Takahashi. He told TechNewsWorld that the service is useful, speedy and valuable. "It will see uptake," he said.

Just Text

Google said its new SMS, available immediately to beta testers, will enable users of mobile phones or other handhelds such as the BlackBerry to send text message queries to get phone book listings, dictionary definitions, prices and other information.

"Just text," said a Google description. "No links. No Web pages. Simply the answers you're looking to find."

Google said by dialing 46645 (GOOGL) on a text-enabled phone, users could quickly find restaurant listings, zip codes or other data. Google said text message results will be delivered "usually within a minute."

The company also indicated that it will add new features to the free service soon, allowing users to get updates via email on the latest Google SMS developments.

Mobile Measure

Takahashi said Google is using the new service as a stopgap measure while the mobile phone market advances to third-generation or "3G" phones with better text message capabilities.

Although most phones are now ill-suited for Web browsing, Google's simpler service should allow the search company to establish a real presence in mobile devices, according to Takahashi.

Google said its service -- which may include carrier charges that are typical with text messaging -- should work with any messaging-enabled phone and will be available with all major providers in the country, including AT&T (NYSE: T), Cingular, Nextel, Sprint PCS (NYSE: PCS), T-Mobile and Verizon.

Content Still Key

Gartner's (NYSE: IT) Phil Redman told TechNewsWorld that Google was ahead of most wireless operators, which have not yet provided the proper content or applications for information integration on mobile handsets.

Redman added, however, that Google's search success may not mean much in the mobile world. "It doesn't matter how good the search engine is if it still doesn't work well with small devices," he said.

Still, Redman said Google appeared to be taking SMS in the right direction for it to be useful on mobile phones and other devices.

"The challenge is what kind of content is it going to find and is it feasible on a mobile device," Redman said.

The analyst added that the U.S. text messaging market remains a challenge, particularly when the "non-kid" audience is considered. "A lot of adults here in the U.S. are still resistant," Redman said, referring to the difficulty of typing and viewing messages on mobile phones.