Comments on: Google emulates SMS gateway

Google emulates SMS gateway

SharQ — Mon, 11 Jul 2005 03:35:59 -0800

Google demos their SMS capability . Personally, I have used Google via Wap/GPRS on my mobile for years. Now, quick definitions, telephone numbers, and calculations are available via SMS, too. Great for geeks on the move - but will Joe Q Bloggs catch on?

By: mleonard

mleonard — Mon, 11 Jul 2005 04:18:44 -0800

Is it really such an onerous chore to find somewhere on that screen to stick the words US only?

By: mleonard

mleonard — Mon, 11 Jul 2005 04:24:36 -0800

I should probably point out that I am aware of the UK version. I don't want any arguments about .com indicating a US location.

By: twine42

twine42 — Mon, 11 Jul 2005 05:00:05 -0800

mleonard - which (of course) it doesn't. *wanders off grumbling about his pet gripe*

By: gsb

gsb — Mon, 11 Jul 2005 05:19:03 -0800

I heard that SMS messaging is quite expensive in the US, and receiving a message can cost money, too. So for Joe Q Bloggs it could be prohibitively expensive. Please confirm, someone.

By: nads

nads — Mon, 11 Jul 2005 05:35:25 -0800

Sprint charges 10 cents a message (i think either way). Although unlimmited text messaging might be 5 or $10/month, maybe included in some plans. 411 charges $1.25. So still a win

By: Espoo2

Espoo2 — Mon, 11 Jul 2005 05:36:13 -0800

I use this all the time. It's great when you are driving and can't find the place you thought you knew how to get to.

By: Plutor

Plutor — Mon, 11 Jul 2005 06:51:25 -0800

Snark time: We need an FPP pointing to a tiny AJAX demo of a 9-month old Google feature? Sure, it's a slick demo, but.. please. /me warms up a "Google calculator" post

By: redteam

redteam — Mon, 11 Jul 2005 07:26:36 -0800

gsb, I believe that SMS messaging is cheaper in the USA than it is in England (for example -- I saw ads over there for like 10-12p per message). Pretty much all of the providers offer text messages for $.10 per message. For example, without subscribing to any special text messaging plan, I can send messages out for $.10. I can receive up to 100 per month free. If I wanted to pay $5 per month, I think I'm allowed to send like 1000 text messages and receive as many as I want. I never heard of anything like that anywhere else. I see that you're from France. How much is it over there? As for this Google SMS demo, it rules. I've been using it for months now. You can settle arguments with it, find stores, define words. It's so amazing, well, most of the time. It doesn't always work perfectly.

By: Blubble

Blubble — Mon, 11 Jul 2005 09:02:27 -0800

I've been using this service for a while. Its great for everything from movie times to weather and directory assistance, etc. It isn't perfect but it is a very useful tool. I always wonder how they plan on making money with this. I suppose it will eventually start including ads. BTW, I have Sprint with the unlimited SMS option and it's $10 a month.

By: gsb

gsb — Mon, 11 Jul 2005 09:08:50 -0800

>I see that you're from France. How much is it over there? I *think* I have 50 'free' SMS messages a month with my phone plan, and there's no charge for receiving them. I was texting a bunch of friends in the US during New Years Eve/Day and they told me all sorts of SMS horror stories, about prices and so forth. That's why I had a bad impression.

By: Ayn Marx

Ayn Marx — Mon, 11 Jul 2005 09:42:06 -0800

And now for Ask Slashdot :) What does one need to do to add such a service to their own Web site? I host assorted Web applications on my own colo server, and would like users to be able to SMS one of my sites but have no idea what I need to run or acquire to allow this. For example, how does the SMS address 46645 get converted to a Web request and the reply sent back to the phone?

By: mcsweetie

mcsweetie — Mon, 11 Jul 2005 10:06:25 -0800

according to ask metafilter, it's a little pricey.

By: redteam

redteam — Mon, 11 Jul 2005 10:14:04 -0800

gsb, I know that sending text messages to my friends in Europe is expensive. I think they're $.20 each. That can add up rather quickly. Text messaging still hasn't hit big over here yet, so maybe your friends are unfamiliar with it or scared of it all. Maybe they think that sending a text message automatically signs them up for an SMS phone plan, or that there is some kind of monthly surcharge that gets put on when you send a text message. I haven't found that to be the case with any cell phone service that I've seen. BTW, a good way to send your Stateside friends an SMS is with Yahoo SMS.

By: blue_beetle

blue_beetle — Mon, 11 Jul 2005 10:14:06 -0800

Ayn Marx: News article about US short codes (aka short phone numbers for text messages). A google search should tell you everything else you want to know.

By: geoff.

geoff. — Mon, 11 Jul 2005 10:27:17 -0800

I've used this several times, both with terrible results. Often times I'm looking for a club or bar that's fairly new (meaning Google doesn't have it) or if I happen to know the exact address it usually is more trouble than its worth to type it in using T9. If Google ever gets a voice line where I can use my voice while driving, then we're making progress.

By: Zampa

Zampa — Mon, 11 Jul 2005 12:31:37 -0800

who needs Google SMS when you have a Sidekick? I just use Google proper.

By: dickasso

dickasso — Mon, 11 Jul 2005 12:53:45 -0800

I asked Google SMS for directions last thursday. It told me they were too complex and that I should go to their website. Thanks, google.

By: justgary

justgary — Wed, 13 Jul 2005 10:46:43 -0800

who needs Google SMS when you have a Sidekick? I just use Google proper. Probably people who've used a sidekick and well, despised it...like me.

By: Ayn Marx

Ayn Marx — Sat, 16 Jul 2005 21:14:05 -0800

Blue_beetle, mcsweetie: Thanks!