PinoyTechBlog
  • Tech News
  • Reviews

PinoyTechBlog

  • Tech News
  • Reviews
BusinessMobile

Searching for mobile search solutions

by ka_edong August 29, 2005
written by ka_edong August 29, 2005

The telcos have flooded subscibers with invitations to download multimedia content, most of it just for entertainment.

Who could escape the full page advertisements of the telcos “educating” their subscribers on how to download wallpapers, ringtones, MMS pics etc. There is so much multimedia content that I’ve seen cute little codigos on how to download content.

Ask-G?

A few months ago, Globe came out with “Ask-G?”, a service that provides information on multimedia downloads.

It wasn’t as robust as I was hoping. To illustrate, I searched for “Norah Jones” and received information on Nora Aunor! (Serious! no joke). Well, that was close. Amusing and close. I tried the search a few days later and Ask-G replied with Norah Jones ringtones.

I was hoping that “Ask-G?” would have worked more similarly to Doctor George – a medical advice service that has human medical experts replying to specific medical inquiries.

Smart Download Agent

Now here comes Smart and their “Smart Download Agent”. I saw this in a print ad yesterday. Download Agents are people have catalogues of downloadable content and will guide subscribers on how to download ringtunes, picture messages, logos and other content.

I wonder whether this method will result in higher uptake of multimedia content.

The need for Search

Globe and Smart have recognized that there’s too much trash content out there that people have lost track of how to download the content.

Globe’s solution was highly technical (a server-side search engine via SMS) while Smart’s solution is more high-touch (a person guiding subscribers on how and what to download).

If just for the purpose of developing the search capability, I think the telcos’ initiatives will come in handy for future apps. I still dream of the day when mobile content will mature into less of entertainment and more of informative/educational/useful.

I’ve been thinking: what do I want to see for an improved mobile search engine?

On my list:

  • Government Hotline/Textlines
  • Location-based directory assistance (e.g. “How do I contact the nearest LBC branch?”
  • Crisis text lines (e.g. something like the dial-a-friend of the 1990’s)
  • how to contact my local government officials
  • Human replies to human questions (“Paano umiwas sa Dengue?”)

What’s on your list?

ka edong

For more technology news and gadget reviews, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
6 comments
0
FacebookTwitterGoogle +Pinterest
ka_edong

Battle cry: ICT for the Filipino! ICT for Development!

previous post
Buying New PC: Considerations
next post
Darkwatch

Follow us!

Facebook Twitter Instagram Youtube

Instagram

No images found!
Try some other hashtag or username

Categories




Recent Posts

  • New iPhone 12 lineup included in Smart’s new signature 5G plans

    December 31, 2020
  • In detail: Huawei FreeBuds Pro

    December 16, 2020
  • Huawei FreeBuds Pro pricing, specs in PH

    December 15, 2020
  • Catch the Cherry 12.12 Sale at Cherry Shop, Lazada, and ShCherry

    December 11, 2020

Follow Us

Facebook

Latest Videos



Subscribe!

Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest tech news and gadget reviews!

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Youtube
  • Email
Footer Logo

@2018 - PinoyTechBlog. All Rights Reserved.