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Google Local, Definitions, & Registrar
A few Google bits in the bin this morning starting with Philipp Lenssen writes "Google Local has now moved to the Google homepage. The service, while still in beta, has been around for quite a while as one of many Google tools in the Google labs."
Mr. Anonymous noted that "In the past, when you clicked the [definition] link after a Google search, you'd be taken to the Dictionary.com page for the word. Now, Google has jumped aboard GuruNet's Answers.com, which not only provides definitions, but encyclopedia articles, etymology, medical defnitions, legal definitions, and word translations all on one page."
And lastly, several folks noted that Google has moved into the Domain Registrar Biz which we mentioned monday.
I could swear I read somewhere recently that at the moment, Google didn't plan on offering domains for sale. Instead, they were going to use the information they got as a registrar to help their PageRank data. For example, they could reset a domains PageRank when the domain changed hands.
I store my recipes online (the way nature intended)
It looks like Google Local is still US only ... and they keep ***ing redirecting me to the UK site so I can't even see the link to click it. (I'm not planning a trip to American in the near future - but I might have been).
sounds interesting..
looks like google wants to be a one stop shop for all their services. think about it.
a)You buy a domain and a site from google.
b) The site runs on GoogleOS
c) The customized firefox browser (GBrowser) has direct hooks to the different services google provides.
d)uses gmail as your hosted mail service and directly intergrates with Gbrowser.
e) Could have a file store directly integrated with Gbrowser.
f) Charge 9.95 for the package..
In the end they could capture all your information and still make it look like its yours.
It is about time. The other day when the new MSN search launched, I noticed that the Near Me button already knew where I was. Looks like Microsoft got this feature better - the results are initially based on your IP address which, in most cases, can be backtracked to your physical location. Of course, this can be changed via cookies as Google does it but it is quite impressive to make the local search work right, mostly, without being told.
Speaking of the Big-G, CNET is reporting that Google, now with a market value north of $56 billion, is equal to Starbucks, Nike and Southwest Airlines combined! I have the link to that article on my blog at: http://sundroid.blogspot.com/, in case you haven't checked your portfolio lately.
Sun and Fun
you can get definitions and local listings (and a few other services) by sending a text message to 46645 (GOOGL on most phones). Not totally worthwhile but i've used the definition feature to settle stupid debates with friends over words when no dictionary or computer was nearby. got my reply within like 30 seconds.