Media Watch

Get info faster with Google text technology

It's hard to dispute that we live in a world where information is available to us instantaneously.  With the right equipment, of course.  The folks at Google.com have developed a new way to provide us with news, telephone numbers, driving directions and weather updates no matter where we are.  All you need is a cell phone, a signal and text messaging. 

Text messaging is old hat by now.  You can vote for your favorite American Idol or request a song on satellite radio.  It's also a great way to send little love missives to your sweetie.

Google's new program allows you to treat your cell phone like a mini computer--without a web connection. 

Just access your text message function and enter any number of questions as a text message.  As a test I entered "w", the shortcut for weather, and 02660 to request a weather update for South Dennis.  It provided temperature, humidity, wind speed and a forecast for the rest of the week.  Test number 2, I entered "pizza" and 02660.  I received two text message replies pointing me in the direction of Pizza Hut and Buncey's, both on Route 134 in Dennis.  My phone also gave me the option of auto-dialing the numbers I received. 

So, there you have it. Type in your query, then send the message to short code 46645 (G00GL). I've already added the code to my cell's address book.

According to Google's info site, you can access a myriad of topics such as directions to a store, movie show times, stock quotes or get an answer to a simple question--like who wrote "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest?"  What a great way to cheat a Trivial Pursuit!  Not that I would do that.

At the moment, there is no charge for the service, but text message charges through your cell company still apply.  What a bonus for those of us with unlimited text messaging.  This will surely eliminate the need to pay the arm and a leg required to get substandard service when calling information.