A couple weeks ago, I published Googling from your Mobile Phone-no Web Browser Needed!, which turned out to be one of the most popular articles yet. It showed how Google SMS (Short Message Service, otherwise known as text messaging) enables you to send Google queries as text messages over your mobile phone and in a return text message get precise answers to your questions.
Read Mark’s Googling From Your Mobile Phone article
Googling from you phone with no need for a browser or mobile web service-things like showtimes, phones numbers and weather!
Now Google has added the ability to get directions! Imagine driving around town trying to figure out how to get where you’re going. Just text message Google the from and to locations and it will quickly send you back a text message with complete, step-by-step directions.
I’ve updated the article linked above to include instructions for doing this. You should read it for a complete rundown. But, quickly, here are the basics:
1. Create a text message with a query that includes your start and end addresses. Use from’ before your start address and to’ before your end address. Based on how much you know about your location and destination, you can combine any of these query types. In addition to the usual address formats, you can use airport identifiers. Here are some samples:
- paso robles ca to san jose ca
from 98112 to SEA
to 1130 N State St Chicago il from 251 e huron 60611
2. Send the message to the US shortcode 46645 (GOOGL on most phones).
3. Receive a text message (or messages) with your results, usually within a minute. Results may be labeled as “1of3″, “2of3″, etc.
Mark Fleming is the founder of a new blog called Google Tutor & Advisor. Google Tutor & Advisor offers in-depth Tips, Techniques and Advice for Google Users.
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