Technically Cool

Google SMS - forget 411, get free phone numbers, addresses, driving directions, movie showtimes, weather and stock quotes, and more!

  This is pretty amazing stuff here!  Google has created a new service called Google Short Message Service (SMS) which allows you to get tons of information for free by sending a query as a text message from your cell phone.  That’s right – you no longer need a browser to search google, you can just text your query to them at 46645 (GOOGL).  And you no longer need to pay expensive directory service charges to get a phone number or an address while using your cell phone either.  You only pay for the cost of the text message (and google’s responding text message) – which generally is about 2 cents a pop, or free for the many folk who have unlimited text messaging as part of their cell phone plans.  Lost?  No map?  Get directions.  Wanna catch a movie?  Get theaters and showtimes. 

From Google’s website:

What is Google SMS?

Google SMS (Short Message Service) enables you to send queries as text messages over your mobile 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.

How do I use it?

Enter your query as a text message. Send the message to the US shortcode 46645 (GOOGL on most phones). Receive a text message (or messages) with your results, usually within a minute. Results may be labeled as "1/3", "2/3", etc. To get Google SMS help info sent directly to your phone, send the word 'help' as a text message to 46645.      Try their online demo.

Want to learn more?

• Find more information with sample queries
• Download their wallet-sized Tips Sheet. [pdf]
• Frequently Asked Questions.
• Google SMS is available on all major carriers.

Need directions? Send them to your cell phone!

Next time you're trying to figure out how to get somewhere on  Yahoo Maps,  send the directions to your cellular phone through an SMS message.  Just click the "Send to Phone" link and off you go!  No more pages of directions lying all over the floor of your car :)